asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (1) whether he is aware that parcels posted in Germany addressed to Irish Free State firms are subjected to London customs clearance charges made by a British firm acting as agents for the German parcel post; and (2) if he can make arrangements with the German Post Office authorities that only German and Irish transport and customs clearance charges shall be payable on parcels consigned to the Irish Free State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charges on German Parcels to Free State.
Parcels posted in Germany can be forwarded either by the official Post Office service or by a semi-official service run conjointly by the German Post Office and certain private transport agencies in London. Parcels forwarded by the official service are examined and charged at the Dublin customs centre only, but when the semi-official service is utilised the parcels are subject to customs examination and clearance charges both in London and Dublin.
The service used is decided by the senders and is not a matter in which this Administration can interfere.
Arising out of the answer, am I to understand that parcels forwarded by the official German Post Office are not subject to any forwarding charge in London?
Mr. Boland
That is so, if sent through the Post Office and not through a private agency; they are not subject to any charge in London. It is a matter for the senders themselves which route they use.