asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (1) the total number of classes of goods subject to customs duty as on 1st April, 1940, and the total amount of revenue derived from such goods during the year ending the 31st March, 1940; (2) in the case of goods on which the import duty is levied on an ad valorem basis, the number of classes in which the duty chargeable is (a) 50 per cent. and over, (b) between 40 per cent. and 49 per cent., (c) between 30 per cent. and 39 per cent., (d) between 20 per cent and 29 per cent., giving in respect of each of these sub-heads the total amount of revenue derived during the year ending the 31st March, 1940.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Revenue.
The number of heads of duty in the customs tariff on the 1st April, 1940, was 368.
As the Finance Accounts have not yet been fully audited, it is not possible to give the precise yield of the customs revenue for the year ending 31st March, 1940.
It is regretted that information is not available in such a form as would enable a reply to be given to the second part of the question.
Surely the Revenue Commissioners must know the items upon which duty is levied at a rate of 50 per cent. ad valorem and over, and at 40 and 49 per cent., et cetera? Why cannot that information be got?
They say that the returns are not made in such a form as would enable them to give that information.
Surely the question is perfectly simple? They are asked to give the number of classes in which the duty chargeable is 50 per cent. and over, et cetera. Surely the Revenue Commissioners must know that; surely somebody must know it, or the revenue could not be collected?
I wish to point out to the Minister that I am asking merely for information in relation to import duty levied on an ad valorem basis.
I know. The chairman informed me personally that the information in that form could not be given.
Will the Minister take it up with the chairman?
I will.
Will he inquire how he proposes to collect the revenue if nobody knows what is the class in which the duty chargeable is 50 per cent. and over? I am tempted to try a little smuggling in view of the answer that has been given.