asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any steps have been taken to ensure that the higher quality leather now imported will be produced here; and if he will state the nature of such steps, and the amount and value of leather imports in the last financial year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leather Production.
32.
The question of manufacturing types of leather being imported has frequently been discussed by my Department with representatives of the Irish tannery industry. It has been represented by them that the imports include a great variety of specialty leathers which it would not be economic to manufacture here having regard to the limited size of the home market.
Following is the statement:—
As the reply to the remaining part of the question consists of a tabular statement, I propose, with the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to have it circulated with the Official Report.
IMPORTS of leather during the year ended 31st March, 1959 were as follows:
|
Cwts. |
£ |
|
|
Rough tanned |
1,914 |
71,708 |
|
Upper Leather: |
||
|
Box, Willow, calf and other sides |
1,143 |
186,622 |
|
Glacé kid and suede kid |
819 |
161,321 |
|
Other upper |
1,835 |
206,708 |
|
Chamois |
192 |
32,321 |
|
Sole leather |
3,103 |
78,033 |
|
Other |
4,625 |
175,044 |