asked the Minister for Finance whether his attention had been called to a paragraph appearing in the issue of the Leader of the 27th November, 1926, to the effect that though no date has yet been fixed for the opening of the Tariff Commission, much subdued activity is taking place in commercial circles and preparations are being made for the opposition to any claim that may be put forward by manufacturers, and that the financial aid of British firms interested in retaining Irish trade has been solicited and generous subscriptions have been guaranteed; and whether the Minister has any information as to the accuracy of the above statement, and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take regarding the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - TARIFF COMMISSION'S OPERATIONS.
The Minister for Finance has no information as to the truth of the statement referred to, but in any case it does not appear to me to be a matter in which he is called upon to interfere. Anyone may tender evidence to the Commission, provided that he can satisfy the Commission that he is substantially representative of persons, trades or interests, who might reasonably be expected to be affected by the granting or refusing of the concessions sought. Organisation and the raising of funds to enable any particular case to be made before the Commission are prima facie legitimate proceedings. Provision is included in the Act under which the Commission is established for applying to witnesses before it the same control as is enjoyed by the High Court, including provision for the punishment of contempt.