Will the Minister say whether this modification was made as a result of representations by those engaged in the industry? If that is so, why has he taken representations in this case and not in other cases?
In Committee on Finance. - Sugar Confectionery Provisional Variation Order.
That the Customs Duties (Sugar Confectionery) (Provisional Variation) Order, 1932, which was made on the 2nd day of May, 1932, by the Executive Council under section 1 of the Customs Duties (Provisional Imposition) Act, 1931 (No. 38 of 1931), and a copy of which was laid on the Table of Dáil Eireann on the 4th day of May, 1932, be approved, with and subject to the modification that the said Order shall not apply to sugar candy.
I do not think any Deputy who knows anything about this industry can have any doubt about the advisability of imposing this Order. The existing factories in the Saorstát are in a position to supply not merely the requirements of this country, but half the requirements of Europe as well. There is very intense competition between them, and the usual complaint is that none of the factories is working at a profit and that the prices of sugar confectionery of various kinds are lower here than in most countries in the world. The modification suggested is made in consequence of various representations that have been submitted. The sugar candy referred to in the Resolution is a commodity not sold retail; it is used as a raw material in the making of certain classes of sugar confectionery. It is subject to a duty on its sugar content, in any case.
I have never refused to consider representations from any quarter in relation to any duty imposed.
Motion agreed to.
The Dáil went out of Committee.
Resolutions 2, 3, 4 and 5 reported.