(Galway) asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists among-tillage farmers and among agriculturists generally with regard to the Order imposing a tariff on agricultural machinery and parts, and if he will state when it is proposed to give the Dáil an opportunity of discussing the motion approving that Order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tariff on Agricultural Machinery.
No evidence of considerable dissatisfaction with this Order has come to my notice.
Section 2 of the Customs Duty (Provisional Imposition Act, 1931) requires any order made under the Act to be brought before the Dáil either on a resolution within ten sitting days or on the Second Reading of a Bill within twenty sitting days. The Dáil will accordingly have an early opportunity of discussing the Order relating to agricultural implements.
Is the Minister aware that a considerable proportion of the important parts of this machinery are imported; if the manufacturers have applied for exemption for these parts?
I do not know if the Deputy was present when I was answering a similar query from Deputy Bourke. This Order was made following the receipt of information that abnormal imports of agricultural machinery were taking place. Permanent proposals for the protection of the industry are at present under consideration and will shortly be submitted to the Dáil.
The Minister has not answered my question. Is the Minister aware that some of the parts that are used by the Irish manufacturers have been imported and if these manufacturers have applied for exemption for parts so imported and that they are assembling in Wexford and elsewhere?
The parts to which the Order applies were decided on in consultation with the manufacturers.