asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is prepared to amend Section 8 of the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) (Amendment) Act, 1956, to provide for the abolition of unlicensed flour imports and the substantial reduction of imports of flour by licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Imports.
11.
I am considering the desirability of promoting legislation to modify or withdraw the facilities for unlicensed flour imports provided for in Section 8 of the Act referred to by the Deputy.
So far as licensed imports are concerned, licences are not granted for the import of flour for use on the home market. Licences are restricted to cases where the flour imported is required for use in export trades.
Would the Minister deal with this matter as a matter of urgency, in view of the impact it may have on employment in the flour milling industries in Donegal and Sligo? It is a serious matter if people have been taking 200 lbs. of flour into these counties every time they go across the Border.
What the Deputy says is correct and I intend to treat it as a matter of reasonable urgency. However, unlicensed imports of 200 lbs. of flour do not constitute a serious threat to employment in these areas.
It could become a racket.
I have checked the figures and the Deputy can take it that there is not a serious threat.