asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a number of operatives are under notice terminating their employment from Messrs. Claytons, Woollen Mills, Navan; and, if so, whether he will state what action he proposes to take to ensure continuous employment in this industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Navan Woollen Mills' Employees.
I understand that notices terminating their employment have been issued to certain employees in the wool-carding and spinning section of Messrs. Claytons, Woollen Mills, Navan.
In so far as employment in the industry may have been affected by imports of woollen and worsted piece goods, steps have already been taken to give protection by an import quota covering the main types of cloths made by the Irish woollen and worsted manufacturers and the quantities of these cloths to be imported during the period commencing on the 1st September, 1948, have been limited to 1,500,000 square yards as compared with 2,000,000 square yards in the current period. The extent of the quota applying from the 1st September next has been agreed with the Irish manufacturers.