asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that as a result of the importation of hosiery products manufactured in countries behind the Iron Curtain, the business of a hosiery factory in Balbriggan has been adversely affected and a number of its employees have been laid off; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Hosiery Products.
The firm to which the Deputy's question refers have been informed that any representations made to me regarding the effect of hosiery imports on their business will be fully and sympathetically considered.
Is the Minister aware that this firm has made repeated representations to him and is he also aware that this firm's sales have gone down by £7,000 owing to the importation of goods during the period from January to April?
I am aware that this matter was discussed with a representative of the firm on the 19th March. The firm having been asked to supply certain particulars, the representative of the firm then stated that in view of a certain other development, to which I need not refer here, he did not think there was any need to pursue the question further. The next move rests with the firm.
My information is that representations were made by this firm, even in 1955, to point out that there was sufficient machinery in the country to make all the hosiery necessary for the requirements of the people here.
This firm, and all similar firms, are protected by an import duty of 75 per cent., 50 per cent. preferential, and as I say this matter was discussed with a representative of the firm on March 19th. Certain information was to be provided by the firm, and the firm then indicated that they did not desire to pursue the matter further.
I am led to believe that there were certain leakages, and could the Minister not ensure that imports would not take place through these leakages? I am told—and this is why I ask this question—that it was possible that stuff was being imported into this country from Russia and other countries via Holland.