asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what regulations, if any, are in force governing the granting of licences for the importation of flour or the general conditions under which such licences have been or will be granted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licences for Importation of Flour.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware there is a customs duty of 5/- per 280 lbs. on wheaten flour imported into this country, and under existing legislation flour may be imported without a licence subject to payment of duty. I have, however, in collaboration with the Minister for Finance arranged that flour may be imported free of duty in quantities slightly more than sufficient to bridge the gap between home production and consumption.
Would the Minister allow unlimited importation of flour provided 5/- per sack were paid?
I am afraid the Deputy did not hear the answer. The last portion of the answer refers to "quantities slightly more than sufficient to bridge the gap between home production and consumption."
The point of the question to which the Minister has not adverted is: what is the principle which governs the giving of a licence to one person as opposed to another?
I am afraid the Deputy will have to put down another question on that.
That is the question —"what regulations, if any, are in force governing the granting of licences?"
I thought I made that quite clear. The last portion of the answer shows what the principle is. The Minister for Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with myself, has arranged that flour may be imported free of duty in quantities slightly more than sufficient to bridge the gap between home production and consumption.
There is no discrimination as between the importer?
I presume not.
This is done, according to the answer which the Minister read, in consultation with himself.
Yes. I do not know whether the Deputy is aware of the fact that licences are issued to agents and importers on a quota basis, and I presume that in case an excess importation is required that excess will be allotted to each importer in proportion to the quota already given.
In proportion to the quota already given, and it will be based, presumably, on importations in previous years?
Yes.
That operates with regard to licences generally?
Yes.