asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will recommend to the Government the suspension of tariffs and quotas on agricultural machinery and on raw materials of the agricultural industry. at least for the duration of the present emergency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tariffs on Agricultural Machinery and Raw Materials.
I understand that Irish firms are in a position to supply at reasonable prices the requirements of the country in the types of agricultural machinery and raw materials of the agricultural industry which are liable to customs duties or import restrictions. This position would, of course, be altered should a shortage of supplies of raw materials for the industries concerned occur at any time, but in such event I am prepared to consult with the Minister for Finance to see what arrangement could be expeditiously made to permit the importation of any balance of manufactured goods required to maintain normal supplies. In the circumstances, I do not think it necessary to recommend the Government to take the step suggested in the Deputy's question.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is in close contact with the Department of Supplies regarding this and kindred problems and the efforts of both Departments are being, and will continue to be, directed towards maintaining adequate supplies of both raw materials and manufactured goods in the country.
Does the Minister realise that the existence of a quota, even if that quota permits the entry of a quantity of materials substantially greater than is ordinarily required, prevents thousands of people who have business connections abroad and who could get stuff for the community from making any attempt to get it because they are not on the register of licensed importers; and, bearing that in mind, would he consider even suspending the quota controlling imports of these commodities for the duration of this emergency?
The import of agricultural machinery is not restricted by quota order. The case is different, of course, in regard to the importation of fertilisers, but a very generous quota order was made in regard to fertilisers, and up to the present, at any rate, I have not understood that any difficulties had arisen in regard to the importation of these.
Is the Minister aware that the first order made by the President of the United States after the declaration of a state of emergency there was to suspend every quota order operating in the United States, because that Government realised the necessity of getting in as much stuff as possible independent of what the Government itself was concerned to do? If the United States find it necessary in their circumstances, to waive quota restrictions, surely the Government of this country should find themselves in a similar necessity?
As there are 22 further questions on the Order Paper, I do not propose to allow any more supplementaries.