asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the exemption from income-tax of co-operative creameries, carrying on general trading in household goods, etc., constitutes a grave injustice to ordinary country traders, inasmuch as complete relief from income-tax constitutes a trading advantage of nearly 40 per cent. in the selling price of goods; and, if so, if he will consider the removal of this unfair exemption, so that in future co-operative creameries, as far as their trading in goods other than products essentially connected with agriculture is concerned, will be subject to the same income-tax assessments as other traders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co-operative Creameries and Income-tax.
I am not prepared at this stage to make a statement on the matter, but I shall keep in mind the representations embodied in the Deputy's question.
Can I put down the question again?
If the Deputy so wishes.
Would the Minister ask me to put down the question again?
Well, I am not asking the Deputy to do so.