asked the Taoiseach the number, type, country of origin and cost per pair of footwear and the value, country of origin and type of footwear components or partly-assembled footwear imported (a) under licence and (b) under tariff, in each of the years 1968 to 1971 inclusive.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Footwear Imports.
5.
The statistics requested are not readily available. If the Deputy would repeat the question in about two weeks time I would expect to have most of the data available.
I accuse the Taoiseach of misleading the House when he says these matters were not referred to at all in any of these discussions.
I can tell the Deputy that I have not misled the House. These matters were not adverted to in any of the talks I have had with Mr. Heath and Mr. Wilson.
At any time?
I am telling the Deputy that they have not been adverted to.
At any time?
I am not going to qualify my reply.
Question No. 7 to the Minister for Health.
The Leas-Cheann Comhairle will be aware that because of the speech that went on behind me it was nearly impossible for me to hear replies to my questions, No. 5 and No. 6. I would be grateful if the Chair would permit the replies to be read again.
The statistics requested are not readily available. If the Deputy would repeat the question in about two weeks time I would expect to have most of the data available for him. If he will write to me in the meantime I shall send him what I have.
Does this refer to both questions.
No, I have not read out a reply to the second question but I shall now do so.
6.
asked the Taoiseach the volume, value, country of origin and types of footwear known as seconds imported in each of the years 1968 to 1971 inclusive.
Statistics of the imports of footwear known as seconds are not available.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary and the Taoiseach are aware that the rising volume of imports now constitute a most serious threat to the future of the footwear industry?
The Deputy will appreciate that this is a statistical question seeking information.
I appreciate that but from the figures available to the Taoiseach and the Parliamentary Secretary they must realise that there is a worsening situation and that imports——
That question might be referred to another Minister.
——are now about three million pairs which constitute one-third——
The Deputy will appreciate that question should be addressed to another Minister.