asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the difficulties which a number of publishers experience due to the importation of English magazines and periodicals; and, if so, if he will have appropriate action taken to prevent this competition which is causing injury to Irish publishing firms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Magazines.
I had discussions towards the end of last year with representatives of some of the interests concerned in this matter as a result of which I informed them that on purely economic grounds I was unable to recommend the Government to impose quantitative restrictions on imports of publications of the type covered by their representations.
I wonder is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that British publishers are enabled to get paper at a cheaper rate than publishers here, a fact which imposes a heavy disability on Irish publishers who are obliged to buy the dearer paper?
Mr. Lynch
I am not so aware, but I shall bring the matter to the notice of the Minister.
Will the Deputy support an import duty on foreign magazines?
That is a matter for the Minister to decide.