asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state why a merchant (particulars supplied to his Department) was refused registration in the Register of Importers in connection with the Control of Imports (Quota No. 3) (Leather Footwear) Order, 1934.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Footwear Imports: Registration Refusal.
7.
The Control of Imports (Amendment) Act, 1937, provides that an applicant for registration must carry on or propose to carry on a business in connection with which or as part of which it is, in the opinion of the Minister, necessary or usual to import goods of a description to which the relevant quota Order applies. For a number of years, traders who were able to show that they had been purchasing direct from footwear factories were granted registration. In 1956 it was, however, decided to grant registration to new applicants only in the cases of traders who were engaged in the wholesale distribution of leather footwear. Accordingly, a trader who has not been engaged in the wholesale distribution of footwear would not be granted registration.
Could the Minister state why the change was made in 1956?
It was made for a number of reasons, all of which I am satisfied were good.
Could the Minister tell me this: why is it that the names of those who have the privilege of import licences, who can make money due to these import licences, are not available so that the public may know who exactly have this privilege?
That is a separate question.
It arises, Sir, out of the fact that individual——
It is a question of which notice should be given.
Notice was given here last week on this matter and it was shelved. Will the Minister answer now, or does he want me to put down three or four more questions on this?
Question No. 8.
I wonder is it necessary to grease the Fianna Fáil palm before an applicant is given an import licence?
The Deputy will resume his seat.
Do applicants have to subscribe to the Fianna Fáil "kitty" before getting an import licence?
Deputies
Chair!
I have called the next question.
It is a suggestion worthy of the Deputy and I need not say more than that. It is the type of suggestion which would be expected from the Deputy. The Deputy tried to get into Fianna Fáil himself and would not be taken. He tried to get in and would not be taken.
That is a damned lie.