asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the tobacco and moisture content of standard size cigarettes (a) at present, and (b) prior to the Budget.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Moisture Content of Cigarettes.
I am informed that the tobacco and moisture contents of standard size cigarettes vary according to the manufacturing process employed by each manufacturer. The contents for each brand of cigarettes are regarded as confidential by the manufacturers concerned and I am not, therefore, in a position to supply the information sought by the Deputy.
Could the Minister tell me is there not a minimum con tent of moisture and tobacco laid down?
By the Department?
Yes.
No, not by the Department. There is a certain provision about the moisture content of tobacco set out in Section 4 of the Customs and Inland Revenue Act of 1887, but regard for the Deputy prevents me quoting that against her.
Can the Minister state if there is any difference? Can he tell me how is the moisture content now as compared with before the Budget?
No. The tobacco manufacturers comply with the laws and the Revenue Commissioners are there to ensure that they do, but the tobacco manufacturers regard this as a confidential process not only in relation to the whole community, but even as between one tobacco manufacturer and another. I have not got the information and cannot, consequently, supply the Deputy with what she seeks.
May I take it from the various replies that there has been no change in the moisture and tobacco content of cigarettes since before the Budget?
I cannot say whether or not there has been a change in the tobacco and moisture content. The 1887 Act prescribes what the content is to be and what the penalty is to be, if certain conditions are not complied with. I presume the Revenue Commissioners, after this Budget as after every other Budget, are taking steps to ensure that the tobacco manufacturers comply with the provisions of the 1887 Act.