asked the Minister for Finance if he will remove the import levy on rowing boats and equipment used by rowing clubs for racing in view of the facts that such boats and equipment are not manufactured in this country, that the amount accruing from such levy is negligible, and that it imposes grave hardships on the rowing clubs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import Levy on Racing Boats.
5.
The Special Import Levy on rowing boats designed for racing and equipment therefor was considered on the occasion of the last review of the Special Import Levies and those items enjoyed the benefit, as from 16th April, 1959, of a reduction of 25 per cent. in the rates of levy applicable to appliances and requisites for sports and outdoor games, under which head they are liable to Special Import Levy.
As I indicated in my Budget speech, I can promise no further review of the Special Import Levies until I come to frame next year's Budget.
Do I take it that the Minister's statement that there was a reduction of 25 per cent. refers to the reduction of the import levies from 40 per cent. to 30 per cent?
That is right.
In view of the fact that the import duty was removed completely off golf caddy cars, would the Minister not consider that a very manly sport such as rowing should get equal facilities since these boats are not made in the country at all?
That is a different question.
That is included in the question. I stated "such boats and equipment are not manufactured in this country". In view of the fact that they are not manufactured in the country, would the Minister not consider giving them the same facilities as those people who use these golf caddy cars? May I suggest to the Minister that if he is going to have an import levy he should have it on all? No exception should be made.
I would like to look into this matter of the caddy cars.
If the Minister finds it is correct, would he consider the position with regard to the rowing?
I shall look into it first.