asked the Minister for Finance if he will state how many pounds of tea were cleared from bond during the financial years ended 31st March, 1932, 1933, 1934, and 1935.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Cleared from Bond.
Tea was not liable to duty during the period 1st April, 1931, to 11th May, 1932. The quantities of tea cleared from bond during the period 12th May, 1932, to 31st March, 1935, were as follows:—
|
Period. |
lbs. |
|
12th May, 1932, to 31st March, 1933 |
2,262,001 |
|
Year ended 31st March, 1934 |
3,075,866 |
|
Year ended 31st March, 1935 |
2,547,446 |
It should be understood that the quantity of tea cleared from bond represents only a small fraction of the quantity on which duty is paid.
Perhaps the Minister will elaborate that statement? Is it not so that, when duty is imposed on tea, all tea must pass through the bonded warehouses of Saorstát Eireann before going into consumption in this country?
I have nothing to add to the answer I have given, which, I think, is a very full one.
Will the Minister indicate how tea can pass into consumption in this country while a duty is imposed upon it without passing through the bonded warehouses of the Revenue Commissioners?
The Minister refuses to answer. Parliamentary Government!