asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state to what cause he attributes imports from deep sea fisheries amounting to £16,343 in 1933, and to £3,227 in 1934, while the corresponding figure for imports in 1932 was only £33.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports from Deep Sea Fisheries.
Dr. Ryan
The figures quoted by the Deputy represent only part of the fish imports not of Saorstát taking. If he will refer to the latest published volume of trade and shipping statistics issued by the Department of Industry and Commerce he will observe that imports of fish (fresh or frozen) are shown under the headings "Great Britain" and "Northern Ireland," as well as under the heading mentioned in the question. I am informed that fish landed direct come under the latter heading, but if the same fish were landed at a British port and subsequently imported the import would appear under the heading "Great Britain." It would appear that the circumstances of the landing of the fish determine whether the imports happen to be classified under one heading rather than another.