asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that small remittances from the United States of America to poor persons in this country have, in several instances, been declared forfeit as they were forwarded in English currency instead of in American dollars; that this was due to ignorance on the part of the senders as to our currency import regulations and the forfeitures have caused much hardship to the consignees; and if he will consider the possibility of arranging to disseminate amongst our people in the United States some knowledge of our regulations to obviate the hardships complained of.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Currency Remittances from the United States of America.
In reply to the first part of the question, I am aware that remittances in the form of British bank notes sent through the post from the United States of America have been seized in accordance with the law which prohibits their importation from anywhere except Great Britain, Six Counties and Channel Islands. The disposal of the notes so seized is a matter for direction by me pursuant to Emergency Powers (Finance) (No. 6) Order, 1940.
In reply to the second part of the question, I cannot accept the statement that the senders were ignorant and it would be impossible without great expense to investigate all the claims of hardship which might be put forward. It is my intention to enforce the law without discrimination. None of the notes will be allowed to proceed to the consignees, but any balances not forfeited will be returned to the consignors.
In reply to the third part of the question, I am satisfied that the prohibition against the sending of these notes to Ireland is generally known by those concerned in the United States and that the seizures which have taken place will emphasise that the prohibition is being strictly enforced.