asked the Minister for Finance how much money has been collected in duties since the 1st April, 1946, on parcels of second-hand clothes, consigned from America to persons resident in the County Kerry; and whether he will consider suspending the duty on these parcels, in view of the acute clothing shortage in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duties Collected on American Clothes.
As the official records do not show the addresses to which imported post parcels of clothes are consigned or distinguish between new and second-hand clothes, it is not possible to give the information asked for in the first part of the question.
As regards the second part, I may state that licences to import gift parcels of second-hand clothing are issued on application from the consignee. Such application should be addressed in the first instance to the Secretary, Department of Industry and Commerce. Where duty has been paid on any gift parcel of second-hand clothing, it is the practice to refund the duty on application being made to the Revenue Commissioners.
Would the Minister for Finance ask his colleague, the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, to request sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses to tell consignees of such parcels that they can apply for a licence to import free of duty or, if they have paid the duty, that an application for a refund of it is likely to receive favourable consideration? I am informed that, in one sub-post office alone in County Kerry, as much as £13 has been collected in one week's duty on such parcels and that many such parcels have been refused by the consignees on the grounds that they cannot afford to pay the duty on them.
What the Deputy is suggesting is one means of bringing their rights in the matter to the notice of the people who receive the parcels. I do not know whether his suggestion or some other will be found practicable, but we will see. This point has been referred to before and most of the people understand their rights in the matter and are applying for refunds.
Will the Minister be good enough to have a word with his colleague about it?
We will see if anything can be done; I do not know.
That is very satisfactory.