asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has seen a statement by the Federation of Boot Manufacturers of Ireland and the Federation of Tanners and Curers of Ireland to the effect that footwear and leather goods will cost more; and if he will make a statement on this matter which is of such great importance to the general public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Footwear and Leather Goods.
8.
I have seen a Press report of the statement referred to in the question. The position is that at present there is a world shortage of hides, owing to a variety of reasons, but particularly because of heavy purchases by countries that did not previously import hides on a large scale and a falling-off in slaughterings in the Argentine and in the U.S.A. This shortage has caused an increase in the price of hides. It is not possible to predict what the effect of this will be on the prices of footwear and leather goods.