asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the import duty of 33? per cent. ad valorem imposed on harp strings is a great hardship on the few institutions in this country where the harp is being taught; and if he will in the interest of such institutions, and generally to encourage the teaching of the harp, remove altogether this duty on the strings, which are very expensive and not manufactured in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import Duty on Harp Strings.
As it would be impossible to distinguish between strings for harps and strings for other musical instruments, such as guitars, I am unable to agree to the suggestion for the removal of the duty on strings for harps.
Why? What is the difficulty in distinguishing between a string for a harp and a string for a guitar? The Customs authorities could not possibly mistake one for the other. There is a great deal of difference between them. Does the Minister know that this matter affects places like blind asylums and charitable institutions? Will he promise to have the matter looked into with a view to facilitating the free entry of these strings? It is a very important matter and should not be laughed at. The harp is the national emblem of our Government and of our State and it should be encouraged.
"The harp that once——"