asked the Minister for Finance whether a levy is payable on papers and periodicals exported to the Six Counties; and whether there is a similar levy on papers and periodicals imported from the Six Counties and, if so, if he will consider remitting it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Levy on Papers and Periodicals.
4.
There is no levy or other duty payable on newspapers and periodicals exported to the Six Counties.
Imported newspapers and periodicals are, with certain exceptions, subject to customs duty and levy. Among the exceptions are daily newspapers with a daily circulation in the State not exceeding 1,000, and other newspapers of which the average circulation per issue in the State does not exceed 6,000 copies. The former are entirely free of duty and levy and the latter bear only a special reduced rate of customs duty of 1/2d. per dozen copies devised to counterbalance the 5 per cent. duty on newsprint borne by home publications. According to the latest information available, all Six County newspapers benefit by one or other of these provisions.
Of periodicals other than newspapers, the following are exempt from duty and levy—trade, craft, trade union, scientific, religious and educational publications. Periodicals falling outside these categories, including those of Six County origin, are chargeable on importation with duty and levy, the preferential rates of which amount to 1½d. per copy. It would not be feasible to provide a special exemption confined to Six County periodicals.
Has the Minister under consideration the remission of the 5 per cent. levy on newsprint? This is the raw material of a very considerable Irish industry.
The special import levies will be considered at Budget time.