asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will take steps to alter the basis of value for the purpose of fixing import duty on sewer pipes from the present basis of weight, which puts a premium on the importation of light weight pipes, in favour of a basis of length or quantity, which would encourage the importation of superior qualities where domestic supplies are not available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sewer Pipes Import Duty.
I am not satisfied that there is any necessity for or any advantage to be gained by the change suggested by the Deputy. Where domestic supplies of these pipes are not available licences are granted for the duty free importation of such pipes.
In the event of representations being made to the Minister relating to certain types of pipes, will he undertake to give such representations consideration?
If there is evidence that the existing method of assessing duty is causing difficulty, I am prepared to consider the matter; but the position is that on the production of evidence that pipes of any class cannot be procured here licences for duty free importation are issued.
Then I can inform the person who complained that representations will be welcomed by the Minister for his consideration?
Certainly.