asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the export/import ratio in the clothing, hosiery and knitwear sectors in each of the years 1973, 1977, 1978 and 1979; the employment trend for the same years in these sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Clothing Industry.
27.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report a tabular statement setting out the information requested by the Deputy.
The statement will show that the ratio of exports to imports expressed as a percentage showed a decline from 1977 onwards relative to 1973 but up to and including 1975 there was a net excess of exports over imports. Although exports increased consistently in the period referred to in the Deputy's question, they did not after 1976 grow at the same rate as imports.
The figures for employment also show reductions by comparison with 1973 but, since 1977, employment in the clothing area has been building up again.
These sectors were adversely affected, as they were in Europe generally, during the recession in the middle of the 1970's.
Following is the statement:
Ratio of Exports to Imports (expressed as a percentage) and Employment Figures.
|
Exports as percentage of Imporss |
Numbers employed (as at September each year) |
|||
|
Year |
Clothing |
Hosiery and Knitwear |
Clothing |
Hosiery and Knitwear |
|
1973 |
142% |
105% |
17,500 |
7,700 |
|
1977 |
80% |
74% |
15,200 |
6,000 |
|
1978 |
70.8% |
69% |
15,300 |
5,700 |
|
1979 |
57% |
62.6% |
15,700 |
5,300 |