asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that it is alleged that congestion in regard to imported goods exists at the Dublin import stations owing to the difficulties which customs officers are experiencing in levying the new duties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Import Stations.
I am aware that such allegations have been made, but I am informed that there is no acute congestion of traffic at any Import station in Dublin, and that deliveries are taking place with reasonable despatch at all stations. The recent extension of the tariff has caused some difficulty in the offices of the agents who prepare the Customs entries for imported goods, and, in addition, importers are not supplying full information and documents to the agents to enable them to prepare the entries. The consequence is that the entries are not being presented promptly on the arrival of the goods, or, if presented, are, in many cases, incorrect or incomplete. Any difficulties in the way of prompt clearance can be avoided if importers will furnish promptly to the Customs Officers or the clearing agents all information relating to the goods and will arrange for payment of duty where such is chargeable. In this connection it must be remembered that if goods at present liable to duty become exempt during the passage of the Financial Resolutions or the Finance Bill through the Dáil by reason of an accepted amendment with retrospective effect, any duty paid, which under the amendment would not be chargeable, will be repaid. I wish to add, in view of the vague and general but persistent statements which have been made in many quarters, that, if particular instances of alleged neglect or delay on the part of the Customs staff in the examination and clearance of goods which have been duly entered are brought to my notice, I will have them fully investigated and steps taken, if necessary, to remove all grounds for complaint.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that it is reported that some of the shipping companies are going to close down for some days until they get over the congestion?
I have no information to that effect and no doubt if that were seriously intended it would have been brought to my notice.
Would the Minister consider the desirability, having regard to the situation arising out of the introduction of the Budget to appoint experts at some of the ports? That would possibly ease the situation. I can give the Minister several cases in which business has been held up as a result of the imposition of certain tariffs where the officers cannot be expected to have the expert knowledge to enable them to discriminate, in regard to certain classes of merchandise. I refer particularly to articles required for the printing industry and newspaper production. A whole lot of inconvenience has been caused by holding up certain articles which are necessary for the production of newspapers—materials which are absolutely necessary and essential for the production even of commercial printing. These articles are not manufactured in this country.
The Deputy is not entitled to make a speech in the guise of a question.
I put a question and I am also explaining in some detail my question so that the Minister can give an adequate and proper reply. I am not going to ask Deputy Briscoe how to put a question in the English language, he might be able to put it in another language. The Minister does not understand Yiddish but he will understand plain English. I hope the Minister will answer the question.
Would the Minister investigate this fact as I believe it to be the case, that the Revenue Officers will not accept a verbatim typescript of the requisite form that is required to be filled in order to gain Imperial Preference? British exporters are required to get the forms in Dublin, fill them up and forward them with the consignment to the Irish port. For the present at least this procedure involves vexatious delay. If a verbatim typescript of the form is presented would the Minister instruct the officer to accept the typewritten form?
I would ask the Minister to say if this is an inspired question?
I should like to indicate to Deputy Dillon that I will have investigated the matter to which he has referred. With regard to Deputy Anthony's supposed supplementary question, I do not think that he heard my reply correctly. If he will take the trouble to read it when it is printed, he will find that I will be glad to have particulars of the cases he mentions.
I am satisfied.