Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1941

Vol. 83 No. 1

Financial Resolutions. - Resolution No. 12—Customs Duty on Non-Daily Newspapers.

Mr. O Ceallaigh

I move:—

(1) That as on and from the 8th day of May, 1941, Section 13 of the Finance Act, 1932 (No. 20 of 1932), and the Second Schedule to that Act shall have effect as if at reference number 3 in the said Second Schedule—

(a) there were deleted in the second column the words "and of which the superficial area of page or front cover does not exceed three hundred and twenty square inches",

(b) there were deleted in the third column the words "per copy one penny" and the words "per copy one penny and one-third of a penny" were substituted, and

(c) there were deleted in the fourth column the words "per copy three farthings" and the words "per copy one penny" were substituted.

(2) It is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution shall have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, 1927 (No. 7 of 1927).

General Mulcahy

Can the Minister say what the effect of this tax will be on the daily papers?

Mr. Norton

This tax is on non-dailies. There is no coin circulating to correspond to the amount. What effect will one-third of a penny have on each paper?

Mr. O Ceallaigh

It would allow newspapers to charge a halfpenny and vary the arrangement between wholesalers and others. I expect the increased charge will be a halfpenny.

Mr. Norton

Is that the price they will get for keeping quiet about this tax?

Mr. O Ceallaigh

I do not expect that even that bribe would keep them quiet.

Mr. Norton

Then why ask that it be paid?

Mr. O Ceallaigh

Because we have to get additional money.

Mr. Norton

When you have got it there will still be a margin left. Why not take the entire halfpenny?

Mr. O Ceallaigh

Ask the newspapers.

Question put and agreed to.