asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any proposals to control imports of footwear, textiles and clothing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Footwear, Textiles and Clothing Imports.
8.
I take it that the Deputy has in mind measures to restrict imports of the goods mentioned.
This country's ability to introduce new measures of a restrictive nature is circumscribed by the legal obligations imposed through membership of the European Economic Community. Measures have, however, been taken by the Community, in a number of cases, through the negotiation of voluntary restraint agreements, and in two cases, through the imposition of restraints unilaterally, to control imports of textile and clothing items originating in certain third countries. These restraint measures provide for the establishment for each member state of the Community, including Ireland, of quota ceilings for each of the individual products subject to restraint.
The Deputy will be aware that a system of surveillance on imports of certain footwear, textiles and clothing has been in operation for some months and that in the case of footwear with leather uppers originating in the UK the pre-July 1st rate of duty, that is, 10 per cent, has been restored for the period to 31st December, 1975.
The Government, on my recommendation, imposed with effect from 18th July, an anti-dumping duty of 40 per cent on blouses made from synthetic fabrics originating in South Korea.
Is that 10 per cent not merely a continuation of the 10 per cent that was in operation prior to 1st July?
It is a continuation of a duty that applied under the agreement and which we should have abrogated at the time but did not do so.
Would the Minister agree that the situation since July 1st is similar to what it was prior to that date in so far as duty is concerned?
Yes.
Will he agree that the surveillance system is to a considerable extent a slowing-up of imports? Is the Minister aware that there is strong pressure on the British Government at present, particularly from the constituency Labour Party, to impose duties on imports or to control imports into Britain? If that were to happen, has the Minister any plans to ensure that Britain will not continue to flood this country with cheap footwear and textiles as they are doing now?
The situation in regard to the British is a matter about which we have been closely in contact, both directly with the British Government and with the Commission, as well as with certain other member states of the Community. In regard to British action, I can assure the Deputy and the House that if any such action has a detrimental effect on us we will reciprocate. I think the Deputy is aware that any outbreak of any kind of trade restriction between the United Kingdom and ourselves would be damaging to both countries. I should make the point, because it is one about which there seems to be some misunderstanding, that if the British are to have certain restrictions it may be advantageous to us, rather than disadvantageous.
Will the Minister state whether the pre-July duty under the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement has had any effect on imports of these commodities?
I said that it had not produced an improvement. I think it has prevented a disimprovement, although this is a supposition.
When the working party were here I understand they gave the impression that it was really a matter for the Irish Government and the Minister to decide on what action he might take in relation to an industry that was in grave trouble, such as the footwear industry. Would it be correct to say that if the Irish Government had decided in the instance of the footwear industry, which is under great pressure, to impose controls on certain types of cheap imports the EEC would have accepted that position?
It is not the case that the working party said it was a matter for the Irish Government. At all stages the Community, the Commission and the working party, which is an organ of the Commission, have been extremely insistent on our legal responsibility and on their rights and powers. They said they would use the powers they had in social and regional affairs to aid us with reorganisation. There was no question of our being able to act in conformity with our obligations without their agreement and there was no question of their giving agreement.
Would it be possible for the Minister to let me have some information in relation to the general idea of the reorganisation and the effect of EEC assistance on the reorganisation? Would the Minister let me know what form it will take?
I should like to reply "yes" to the Deputy. Secondly, if Deputies put down questions for written replies they may not have to go through the long delay that is sometimes necessary with regard to verbal replies. We will be as co-operative as we can with questions on this or on other matters. There is a quicker mechanism than the mechanism of waiting for a verbal reply.