asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is now in a position to state what steps he proposes to take to remedy the present serious position of the hosiery industry with particular reference to the unemployment prevailing amongst operatives in Balbriggan, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hosiery Industry.
I stated last week, in reply to Deputy Rooney, that this matter was under examination. I am now satisfied after examination of the position that the present difficulties of the hosiery industry are in large measure due to substantial imports of hosiery goods during the year 1947 and the early months of this year. It is clear from the evidence available that the partial restoration on the 21st January last of the protection enjoyed by the industry before the emergency has not afforded adequate relief and I propose to ask the Government immediately to restore the former tariffs in full. The question of affording greater measures of protection which has been put forward by representatives of the industry raises issues that require close examination and this examination is being pushed forward as rapidly as possible. I am not in a position to say at present when this further question will be decided.