asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that since the increased rates of customs duty on certain types of table ware imported into this country became effective on the 9th day of September, 1953, retail firms engaged in the sale of such ware have been unable to effect sales to American tourists due to the fact that similar purchases can be made at less cost in England and Northern Ireland and if he is further aware that the increased rates have in this manner meant a loss of dollar purchases by tourists; and, if so, if he will take any steps to ensure that this dollar trade will be recaptured.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dollar Trade in Table Ware.
Mr. Lynch
I suggest that the Deputy should urge on the retailers who approached him that when making sales of table ware to American tourists they should press Irish manufactured products, in which case no difficulty such as that suggested in the question could arise.