asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (i) the imports in quantity and value of woollen and worsted tissues for the first quarters of 1948 and 1949 from (a) the United Kingdom, and (b) all other sources; and (ii) the quantities to be imported under quota during the calendar year 1949.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Woollens and Worsteds.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the desired particulars.
Following is the statement referred to:
(i) Imports of woollen and worsted woven tissues during the first quarter of 1948 and 1949:—
|
Country of Origin |
1st Quarter, 1948 |
1st Quarter, 1949 |
||
|
Quantity |
Value |
Quantity |
Value |
|
|
sq. yds. |
£ |
sq. yds. |
£ |
|
|
United Kingdom |
1,670,301 |
662,693 |
1,826,778 |
619,176 |
|
Other Countries |
540,093 |
275,001 |
161,304 |
90,201 |
|
TOTAL |
2,210,394 |
937,694 |
1,988,082 |
709,377 |
(ii) The quantity of woollen and worsted tissues to be imported under quota is fixed separately in respect of each six-monthly quota period. For the current quota period, which ends on the 31st August, 1949, and for the immediately preceding quota period, the quantity to be imported was fixed, after consultation with the woollen and worsted mills, at 1,500,000 square yards. It is not possible, at this stage, to forecast the amount of the quota for such tissues to be fixed for the quota period covering the balance of the calendar year from the 1st September, 1949.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has information as to the number of woollen and worsted mills which have closed down recently or are working less than half time, and if he will state why these mills are closed or working short time.
I have been informed that one woollen mill, engaged mainly in blanket production, was obliged to close because of lack of orders. In some other cases there has been reduced production, with consequent short-time working, though I cannot say if there are any mills working less than half time. In so far as the difficulties of the industry as a whole may be ascribed to competition from imported goods, I would point out that the quantity of woollen and worsted piece goods permitted to be imported under quota has been fixed on each occasion in consultation with the woollen manufacturers. The manufacturers have represented to me that their difficulties are being caused by the importation of light-weight cloths which are not covered by the existing import restrictions and this aspect of the problem will be discussed at a meeting in my Department to-morrow.