asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to a report that Northern Ireland bread may be selling freely in the Republic after 1st January next; and if he will make a statement on the matter with particular reference to the effect which such sales will have on the present price of bread and on the employment position in the Dublin bakeries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Northern Ireland Bread in Republic.
52.
I have seen the press report referred to by the Deputy. I consider that the duty on bread which will be operative on and after 1st January next should afford reasonable protection.
Can the Minister say in respect of this order, which has been viewed with some concern by the trade, whether any reciprocal rights will exist for bakers here to sell bread in the Six Counties?
There is no question of reciprocal rights. When our application for membership of the European Economic Community was made, it was stated then that any quantitative restrictions that would be removed would be replaced by tariffs of no more severe import. The tariff that will replace the quantitative restriction it is now proposed to remove is not expected to afford any less protection than the quantitative restriction already in existence. Therefore, there can be no question of reciprocal rights in this case.