asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the quantity and value of foreign manufactured matches imported in each of the last five years; whether his attention has been drawn to recent advertisements for Rumanian matches; whether foreign currency will be made available to facilitate the purchase of such matches; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import of Foreign Matches.
118.
Imports of foreign manufactured matches in the past five years have been as follows:
|
Year |
Gross Containers |
Value £ |
|
1960 |
30,313 |
10,442 |
|
1961 |
30,328 |
10,999 |
|
1962 |
110,049 |
37,559 |
|
1963 |
78,833 |
28,693 |
|
1964 |
141,068 |
37,713 |
My attention has not been drawn to advertisements for Rumanian matches but I am informed that of the quantities I have mentioned a total of £1,520 worth came from Rumania. I understand that under exchange control regulations it is not the present policy to deny foreign currency to an importer who needs it to meet his contractual obligations.
Would the Minister have regard for the Irish match industry and the fact that that industry is using Irish products? Will he take steps to stop this utterly unnecessary importation of foreign manufactured matches?
It depends on what side you want to be on. We have only one firm producing matches and they are protected. Does the Deputy want to create a situation where they have no competition at all?
This is a totally unnecessary importation.