asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that, owing to the impossibility of securing the proper cotton fabric, the yellow oilskins worn by fishermen cannot at present be produced in this country; and, if so, whether in the circumstances he will consider removing the 50 per cent. duty on imported oilskins.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Manufacture of Oilskins.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that manufacturers find it very difficult to secure supplies of raw materials for the manufacture of oilskin and waterproof clothing due to restrictions placed on their export from England by the British Board of Trade; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the Board of Trade to have the restrictions withdrawn.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.
As far as I am aware, there is no difficulty in obtaining the raw materials for the production of these oilskins. The home manufacturers have not been producing them for some time past, mainly because of the smallness of the demand, due to the fact that immediately after the war very large supplies of oilskin clothing were imported and offered for sale at "clearance" prices.
I am considering the question of recommending the Revenue Commissioners to grant licences for the importation of fishermen's oilskins, free of duty.
Is the Minister not aware of the difficulty of securing material for the manufacture of waterproof clothing?
I have stated in my reply that I am not aware that there is any difficulty in procuring it.
The Minister referred only to oilskins.
Oh, no. I said:
"As far as I am aware, there is no difficulty in obtaining the raw materials for the production of these oilskins."
I mentioned waterproof clothing in my question. Will I get an answer to that question?
The Deputy's question is fully covered in the reply, but if there is any point he has in mind which is not covered, if he will let me know what it is, I shall undertake to get him the information.
I am aware that it is practically impossible to get the raw materials for waterproof clothing.