asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the delay in the delivery of cross-Channel parcels coming via Dublin to members of the Sligo Merchant Drapers' Association, that these goods are of a dutiable nature, and that although the demands from the Customs authorities are attended to promptly the consignments are delayed several days before being finally released; and whether, in view of the nature of the goods in question, he will see that these parcels come through with all speed.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PARCEL DELIVERY IN SLIGO.
I am not aware that any special delay arises in the delivery of parcels arriving at Dublin consigned to members of the Sligo Merchant Drapers' Association. The reference to the demands of the Customs authorities appears to have been made under a misapprehension. No demands are made by the Customs authorities, unless the Customs entry form for imported goods is not received within a reasonable time. The obligation of presenting the Customs entry form with the duty, where duty is payable, devolves, by law, on the importer or his agent, at the place of importation, and the demand for documents relating to imported goods, and for the duty, where payable, which, presumably, is the demand referred to, would emanate, therefore, from the person who clears the goods on behalf of the members of the Sligo Merchant Drapers' Association; for example, the Carrying Company.
No delay will ordinarily be experienced so far as the Customs authorities are concerned, if importers will present the completed Customs entry form promptly on the arrival of any goods, and produce the goods to the Customs officer for examination, or comply with their agents' requirements in order to enable the latter to enter and produce the goods.