andMr. Palmer asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware (1) that all butchers in the State must sell hides to the Associated Tanners' Federation at a fixed price, according to grade; (2) that this organisation then disposes of the hides to the tanners in accordance with demands; (3) that hide merchants are unable to get rid of their stocks at an economic price as the price offered is very much below that obtaining in the English market despite the fact that a new system of grading has been introduced; (4) that no reason exists why hides could not be sold in a free market with such an unsold surplus held by the butchers; and, if so, whether he will permit a free market for the sale of these hides and also reconsider his decision to restrict the export of hides in order that the present surplus may be disposed of.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Hides.
The prices fixed for domestic hides are based on specified standards of grading and classification, which I am satisfied it is necessary to maintain. There is an assured market for all the domestic hides available, and as I stated in the Dáil on the 6th November, 1952, if there is a surplus anywhere in the hands of butchers or hide merchants I am prepared to take the matter up with Associated Tanners of Ireland, Ltd.
The restrictions in the export of hides, together with the fixed price and grading requirements, are part of comprehensive arrangements designed to ensure adequate supplies of suitable hides for the home tanners, and to encourage the development of carcase beef exports. I am satisfied that, in present circumstances, no alteration of these arrangements would be warranted.
Is the Minister aware that this Associated Tanners' Federation consists entirely of tanners, with the exception of one butcher, and that there is considerable dissatisfaction amongst butchers over the prices they are procuring for their hides, as they are not getting as much as they would get if they were permitted to sell them in the open market and export them if necessary? Does the Minister not consider that this constitutes a restrictive practice?
Under an arrangement made by the previous Government regarding the export of hides, a debt of £500,000 was incurred by Irish tanners, and one of the purposes of this arrangement is to enable that debt to be discharged by levying tanners upon their hide purchases for such a period as may be necessary to raise the £500,000 which has to be paid.
When this Order was made before, hides were in very short supply in this country. I understand the position now is that there are plenty of hides for the tanners of Ireland and plenty to export. As the circumstances have changed, will the Minister not reconsider the whole matter?
To the extent that there is a temporary surplus of hides they are being exported, but they are being exported by the Associated Tanners' Company and the profits derived therefrom are being used to reduce the debt due by the tanners.
It must be well done now.
It will take another while.
Where is the assured market for hides?
If the Deputy can produce one single hide of which a butcher cannot dispose, I will take it from him.
Is the Minister aware that there are over 100 butchers in South Kerry who have surplus hides?
I have given the Deputy an invitation.
For the past two years they have been getting no price at all.
Is the Minister aware that there is a tremendous competition in the smuggling of hides over the Border because the Minister still refuses to lift the ban on the export of hides?
That is a separate question.
Will the producer have to continue to suffer? Surely this is a serious question which the Minister should examine?