asked the Minister for finance if he will state (a) if carpets manufactured by Messrs. Alex. Morton & Co., Carlisle, in Killybegs and Kilcar, Co. Donegal, and exported to Carlisle to be finished are liable to duty on their re-importation to the Saorstát, and, if so, whether he will take steps to have them exempt in view of the fact that a large number of girls are employed in their manufacture in the centres named; (b) if he will exclude from duty printed designs executed by this firm's draughtsmen in Carlisle and sent in here to assist the manufacturing of these carpets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duty on Re-imported Carpets.
(a) In the case of the carpets referred to by the Deputy, if the carpets are brought back to this country after finishing abroad, duty is chargeable only on the value of the work done abroad. I do not consider it expedient to grant any further concession. (b) I will consider the question of waiving payment of duty on the printed designs referred to. For this purpose I have asked the Revenue Commissioners to communicate with the Company referred to.
Would the Minister say if this finishing could be done in Donegal, so as to avoid the sending out of the partly finished articles? Has he any information on that point?
I am not sure whether it can or cannot be done in Donegal. I will consider the whole matter. If I have substantial evidence produced to me that it cannot be done here I will reconsider the whole matter.
Arising out of that answer, will the Minister consider taking up with the Minister for Lands and Fisheries the position of the factories operating under his patronage in Donegal?
I will be glad to do that.