Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Apr 1964

Vol. 208 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Exports to Britain.

38.

Mr. Ryan

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what Irish products entering the British market do so on tariff and trading terms less favourable than those applicable to countries which are members of EFTA or the Commonwealth; and if he will state the percentage of total exports from this country to Britain represented by such products.

Most industrial goods of Irish origin are admissible into Britain free of customs duty. Where customs duty is chargeable, Irish products are admissible at the same rate of duty as is chargeable on products of the British Commonwealth.

The following goods are now subject to import duty on entry into Britain at a rate higher than that applicable to similar goods of EFTA origin:—

clocks, watches and parts; motor cars, parts and accessories; musical instruments; unexposed sensitised cinematographic films; chicory preparations; coffee preparations; silk, man-made fibres and manufactures; agricultural tractors; motor bicycles and tricycles; certain chemicals; playing cards and matches and mechanical lighters.

Exports of these goods, excluding textiles, represent one per cent of our total exports of industrial goods to the British market. Exports of textiles and clothing, however, are equivalent to 33? per cent of our exports of industrial goods, but it is not possible to say what proportion of these exports is liable to the British duty on manmade fibres.

Top
Share