asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what is the position of the 1933 tobacco crop with reference to freedom from duty in coming years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tobacco Crop.
Under existing law tobacco grown in Saorstát Eireann during the year 1933 will be free from duty in subsequent years provided it is duly delivered from a bonded warehouse to a licensed manufacturer of tobacco.
In case there is any undue delay would the Minister state what steps will be taken to penalise holders of tobacco?
Any abuse which may arise because of the undue detention of tobacco in bond, I presume, will be sufficiently safeguarded against by the forthcoming legislation for the control of growing. I should like to point out that such provision need not necessarily be made by way of import duty alone. If experience indicates that the forthcoming legislation does not deal adequately with such abuse as the Deputy contemplates, then, I think that the question of the imposition of excise duty might be considered should the circumstances require it.