asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any licences have been issued for the import of kip butts or heavy upper leather since 1st December, 1953; and, if so, if he will state the amounts imported.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Issue of Licences for Leather.
Licences for the duty free importation of kip butts and other heavy upper leathers have been issued in cases where the Association of Tanners certified that none of its members were in a position to supply.
Does the Minister agree, having regard to the fact that a certain number of men, approximately one-third of the total employed in one factory, have been left off, that it would be desirable to have the whole position examined with a view to seeing to what extent the importation of the type of leather described in the question has affected the employment situation?
So far as I am aware, the problem that has arisen at Gorey factory is not due to any importation of leather. On the contrary, some difficulties have been caused in boot factories owing to the inability of the Gorey factory to supply them.
The Minister has satisfied himself on that?
Yes.
Can the Minister say whether he has the information asked for in the question—the amount of this type of leather imported?
I have not got the information, which amounts to saying to what extent the licences issued are utilised. That could only be ascertained by the Revenue Commissioners carrying out a very detailed examination.