asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have reason to believe that there have been grave evasions of customs duty in the case of textile imports, and, if so, what was the extent of the evasions; what methods were adopted to evade the appropriate duties; whether such acts constitute fraud and are criminal acts punishable by the law; how many firms were involved; what was the approximate loss sustained by the revenue; what action he proposes to take in the matter; and if he will make a statement as to the serious damage done to Irish textile manufacturers as a result of those frauds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Textile Imports: Evasions of Customs Duties.
16.
I have ascertained from the Revenue Commissioners that they have under investigation a number of instances in which they are satisfied there has been evasion of customs duty on imported textile goods in circumstances rendering the importers liable to the penal provisions of the Customs laws. As the enforcement of these provisions is vested in the Revenue Commissioners, it would be improper for me to intervene.
I am satisfied that it would not be in the public interest to require the Commissioners to disclose the details of the matters involved. They have, however, informed me that it cannot be assumed that the interests of Irish textile manufacturers have been adversely affected.