asked the Minister for Finance whether any licences for the importation of reels of cotton sewing thread free of Customs duty have been issued since 15th December, 1935, and if so (1) how many licences; (2) to how many licensees, and (3) for what total quantity numerically.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Cotton Thread.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available as licences are, as a rule, issued without reference to the material from which the thread is made or as to whether imported on reels or otherwise.
Records are, however, available of cotton thread actually imported. According to these records cotton thread of a total value of £1,091 was imported free of duty under 51 licences in the period 15th December, 1935, to 31st January, 1936.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that the Irish Thread Company, of Westport, have increased their prices by 2/- per gross for sewing cotton on reels unless the purchaser is prepared to take an assortment of reels which he may not require; and, in view of that fact, will the Minister consider the desirability of issuing licences to merchants who want only one variety of reel and who cannot get it from the Irish Thread Company except by paying a premium of 2/- per gross? Will he consider issuing licences to such persons for the free importation of thread on reels?
I should have to have notice of that question.
Very well. I shall put down a question to that effect.