asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is unemployment in the woollen and worsted factories of this country due to the big yardage of ladies' and men's spun rayon suitings which is being allowed duty free into Ireland and if he will take steps to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Woollen and Worsted Factories.
It is not possible to estimate the extent to which unemployment in the woollen and worsted factories may be due to the free importation of spun rayon suitings. Representations regarding such importation have been received recently and are being examined.
Does the Minister not consider that to an extent this represents unfair competition with manufacturers in this country who have to compete against Italian firms whose workers are on very low rates of wages and whose wages are subsidised?
To what extent these suitings are being imported is not known because there are no separate import statistics. I have, however, received representations from various trade associations in the matter and I will consider it.
Will the Minister, when considering it, consider the probable impact of any course of action proposed to him on the cost of living?
It is always an important consideration.
Very important.