asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the steep increase in the price of wearing apparel; and, if so, if he will state why he considers it expedient to reimpose the restrictions on imports of wearing apparel which he recently removed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Wearing Apparel.
I am aware that there have been increases in the prices of wearing apparel in common with the prices of many other commodities, but I am not clear as to what exactly the Deputy means in the second part of his question. The fact is that no restrictions have been imposed or reimposed recently on imports of wearing apparel but, on the contrary, the customs duties chargeable on imported wearing apparel have been reduced by Order to 25 per cent. ad valorem (37½ per cent. ad valorem full rate). The object of this Order is to facilitate the importation of clothing whenever feasible while at the same time protecting as far as possible the collection of revenue which, in the case of clothing, has always been a substantial item in the revenue account relating to customs duties.
Was there not a notice published in the papers a few days ago that there was to be some alteration in the duties on ready-made clothing as from 1st May?
All the duties on ready-made clothing have been reduced to a flat-rate duty of 25 per cent. ad valorem.
And there is no intention to increase them?
They have all been reduced.
And there is no intention to increase them?
There is no intention to increase them.