I move:—
That the Dáil agree with the Committee in Financial Resolution No. 5.
Financial Resolutions—Report. - Resolution No. 5—Customs.
I wish to raise a point on item No. 9 in the Schedule, with reference to cotton wool pads. I understand that special machinery would have to be installed for manufacturing pads of that description and that the demand in the country is not sufficient to warrant such installation. There is a feeling amongst some of the users that cotton padding should be excluded, but I understand there is some difficulty in doing that. At the same time, I would just register a protest against a duty being put on this material, which is not manufactured in this country, and afterwards exempting it. Of course, exempting it is the lesser of two evils and, from that point of view, I take it that the Minister is satisfied that that is the only way to deal with the matter.
Is there another matter the Deputy wishes to raise-anything in regard to tiles under No. 4?
No.
The position in regard to the particular item mentioned by the Deputy is that it is not the intention of the promoters of the industry covered by this particular reference to manufacture this special type of cotton padding. Accordingly, I have looked into the matter with a view to seeing whether it would not be possible for us to so amend the definition as to specifically exclude this particular article and at the same time make it possible to administer the duty effectively. I am advised that it is not possible to devise a definition in the terms which I had in mind, and, accordingly, I am prepared to say that, in case the home manufacturers cannot supply the material—and I believe that they do not intend to try—we shall give licences freely for the importation of this particular type of wadding.
Is the 75 per cent. on tiles a protective tariff or one for revenue purposes?
It is for protective purposes.
Is 75 per cent. required for protection?
As the Deputy will realise, in most cases there is a preferential rate of 50 per cent. The effective rate will be 50 per cent. and I have been advised that that is the rate which would afford effective protection to the articles on which it is imposed.
Question put and declared carried.