asked the Minister for Finance whether a customs duty of 3/7 was recently charged on a packet of 50 cigarettes sent by a man in British Columbia, Canada, to his mother in Castlebar as a gift; if he is aware that this duty is charged at the rate of 28/8 a pound; and if he will, in future, arrange to have small presents of this nature admitted free of duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duty on Canadian Cigarettes.
It is not possible in the absence of fuller particulars to trace the importation referred to in the question. It may be stated, however, that the customs duty on a packet of 50 cigarettes, the net weight of which is two ounces, would ordinarily be at the rate of 28/11 per lb. and amount to 3/7. I am not prepared to authorise the admission of gifts of tobacco except on payment of the appropriate customs duty thereon.