asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) how many licences to import cotton thread free of duty have been issued since August 1st, 1935; (b) to how many licensces have these licences been issued; and (c) for what total quantity were these licences issued.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import of Cotton Thread.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available as licences are, as a rule, issued for the importation of thread free of duty without reference to the material from which the thread is made.
Records are, however, available of cotton thread actually imported. According to those records, cotton thread of a total value of £4,446 was imported free of duty under 211 licences during the four months August, September, October and November, 1935.
Did I understand the Minister to say that he could not differentiate between the linen and cotton thread, and then go on to give particulars of the cotton thread which was actually imported?
No.
I thought I understood the Minister to say that it was impossible to differentiate between the linen and cotton thread?
If the Deputy will study my reply he will see that the first and second parts are consistent with each other.
Very well; I will see it in print afterwards.