asked the Minister for Finance whether it is correct that customs and excise revenue combined in 1962-63 fell short of Budget estimate, as amended on 14th June 1962; by what amount; and how he reconciles the shortfall with the increase in the estimated receipts from these duties for 1963-64.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortfall in Customs and Excise Revenue.
6.
In 1962/63 customs and excise revenue combined (other than excise revenue from the motor vehicle duties) fell short of the Budget estimate, as amended on 14th June, 1962, by roughly £3¼ million. The factors contributing to this shortfall were referred to in my Budget speech. The estimated receipts for the current year from these duties show an increase of roughly £3¾ million compared with the actual receipts for the year just ended. This represents an increase of about 4½ per cent. Which can be attributed to normal buoyancy and does not call for any special explanation.
Can the Minister explain why there is the normal buoyancy to which he refers when in fact there was a substantial drop and shortfall last year? The two things do not correspond.
One fairly important factor last year was forestalling, which will not be a factor this year.
Was there no other large factor? Would the Minister like to give me an indication of the approximate amount of duty he felt he lost by forestalling last year?
My own estimate would be something like £1½ million. That is my own estimate; I did not get it from the Revenue Commissioners.
Would the Minister not consider that possibly the general impositions of the second Budget in June might have a larger effect than that?
No.