asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether there are any restrictions on the import of fertilisers; and, if so, what restrictions.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Import of Fertilisers.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is correct that merchants who wish to import high grade compound fertilisers have been unable to obtain a permit for the importation of these fertilisers from Holland.
With the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle I propose to take Question Nos. 24 and 25 together.
Imports of superphosphates, ground mineral phosphates and compound manures produced or manufactured in countries other than the United Kingdom, Canada and other Commonwealth countries are liable to duty at the rate of 20 per cent. ad valorem.They are not subject to quantitative restrictions and no licence or permit for importation is therefore required.
In view of the large stocks of imported superphosphates already in the country, together with the supplies of superphosphates and compound fertilisers available from the Irish factories, licences for the importation of these fertilisers, free of customs duty, are not being granted generally. I have, however, arranged with the Revenue Commissioners to grant licences authorising the importation, free of duty, of limited quantities of granulated concentrated compound fertilisers.
Can it conceivably be true, with the Minister for Agriculture storming the country to get farmers to use more fertilisers, with the Tánaiste making speeches about the necessity for increasing agricultural production and with the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs presaging a revolution in agriculture, that we are levying an import duty of 20 per cent. on imported superphosphate?
No.
But I think that is what the Minister said.
There is a very large stock in the country — probably more than ever before — and it is not being paid because there is no need.
Nobody will bring in super so long as they are called upon to pay that levy.
They need not have difficulty in storing it.
There is no shortage.
At a price. But why will you not let it come in without the 20 per cent. duty and thus bring down theprice? A 20 per cent. duty on a ton of super is approximately £2 10s. Is it right to pay that on super at the present time? I think you are all daft.