asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state why certain bakers in County Donegal are allowed to import flour duty free, while others in that county are refused permits to import under the same circumstances.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Duty in Donegal.
My Department has recommended the issue of licences enabling Donegal bakers to import flour free of duty only in two cases and in exceptional circumstances. Licences have not been issued in any case in which my Department was satisfied that Saorstát milled flour was readily procurable. Special arrangements have been made with the Irish Flour Millers' Association for the supply of flour to County Donegal and the issue of licences in the future is very unlikely.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I should like to ask him, firstly, if he is aware that one of the licensees is retailing some of the flour that he has been permitted to import for the purpose of baking and, secondly, if I place in his hands facts to show that other persons exactly similarly circumstanced have sought permits and have been refused them, will he take steps to get permits granted to them and to have such duty as they have been obliged to pay, as a result of his refusal, refunded to them?
As regards the first part of the question, the answer is in the negative. As regards the second part I would direct the Deputy's attention to the reply I have given to him, that in consequence of the arrangements made with the Irish Flour Millers' Association it is most unlikely that any permits will be issued in future. In each case where an application for a permit was received the Flour Millers' Association was consulted. Only where it is clear that Sáorstat flour is not procurable, or that other exceptional circumstances operate to necessitate it, is a licence issued. In fact only two licences were issued.
If I bring to the Minister's notice circumstances exactly similar to those of the merchant in Dungloe, who received a permit to import flour under licence, will he see that the duty is refunded to persons who were axactly similarly circumstanced and were refused permits?
If these persons applied for permits the Deputy's information is, I am certain, incorrect.
I am asking the Minister if I place certain facts in his hands will he take steps to redress what is contrary to equity?
If the Deputy has information I shall examine it, but I am quite certain he has not.
I will place it in the Minister's hands.