asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has recently sought to impose a restriction on the export from this country to Great Britain of nylon stockings processed in this country; and if he will state the precise legal powers by virtue of which such restrictions have been imposed and the reasons for such restrictions having regard to the facts that these stockings were duly processed here and were exported to Great Britain strictly in accordance with the customs requirements of that country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Nylon Stockings to Britain.
I assume that the nylon stockings referred to by the Deputy are stockings which are knitted outside the sterling area, imported into this country for dyeing and finishing and re-exported to Great Britain. With the agreement of the exporters concerned I have arranged that each exporter will limit his yearly exports of these stockings in future to the quantities exported by him in the year ended 31st July, 1957. I have also arranged with the Minister for Finance that foreign currency will not be granted for the purchase for processing and re-export by any person in any year of greater quantities of stockings than such person re-exported in the year ended the 31st July, 1957.
I have taken this action because I had reason to believe that if these stocking exports continued to expand they would be in serious danger of being stopped entirely by the British authorities. The exporters agreed with this view and with the action taken.
Nylon stockings manufactured in this country may still, of course, be freely exported to Great Britain.
What percentage of the work and labour on the stockings concerned is done in this country?
I cannot give the Deputy that information. If fuller information is required on this matter I suggest that, if it is convenient for him to do so, the Deputy should raise the matter on the Estimate for the Department.
Was there not a minimum stipulation? There used to be.
It must be more than 25 per cent.
That is what it used to be.
I understand from what the Parliamentary Secretary says that foreign currency will be made available for the export of these stockings imported in the grey, then dyed, processed and exported, provided the exports do not exceed the agreed quantity in the datum year referred to by the Parliamentary Secretary?
That is the position.