asked the Taoiseach if he is aware of the widespread distribution of boxes of matches, manufactured in an Iron Curtain country, at the same price as Irish matches; if he can give details of the extent; and what is the value of such imports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import of Matches.
1.
There were no matches imported from Rumania in the year 1963. A relatively small import from Rumania comprising 2,000 gross containers of matches valued, c.i.f., at £260 was recorded for January of this year and information in respect of the February trade is not yet available. This evidence does not suggest that the distribution of such goods in the country is very widespread.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate what steps he intends to take to discourage this?
It has always been the custom to import matches from any country. There is no prohibition.
And leave our own idle?