asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) how many dozen pairs of nylon stockings of all types were imported during the six months ended March, 1952; (b) how many dozen pairs of nylon stockings of all types are to be imported for the six months ending September, 1952; (c) the requirements of nylon stockings of all types for each of the years 1950 and 1951, and (d) whether the Irish manufacturers are in a position to supply the full requirements for the Irish Republic of nylon stockings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nylon Stocking Imports.
Separate figures are not available to show the quantities of nylon stockings imported during the six months ended the 31st of March, 1952. Imports of all types of silk and artificial silk stockings, including nylon stockings, amounted to 74,658 dozen pairs during that period.
The importation of silk and artificial silk stockings is controlled quantitatively and licences have been issued for a total of 37,600 dozen pairs for the quota period from the 1st of March, 1952 to the 31st August, 1952.
It is not possible to say what the market requirements of nylon stockings was for each of the years 1950 and 1951 but the total home market for all types of silk and artificial silk stockings, including nylon stockings, is estimated at 800,000 dozen pairs annually.
The Irish hosiery manufacturers are in a position to supply the full home requirements in most types of nylon stockings. A certain demand for the more expensive nylon stockings has not up to the present been catered for fully by the home producers, and the licences issued under the quota arrangements are valid only for the importation of those types.