asked the Minister for Finance whether import levies are contemplated as a measure to correct the unfavourable balance of trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import Levies.
5.
I would refer the Deputy to today's announcement on the matter.
I wonder if I am in order in thanking the Minister for his courtesy in answering my question a day in advance.
Does the Minister not consider in a matter of such importance to the economy as this, where additional heavy taxation is involved, that the appropriate place in which to make such an announcement is the Dáil rather than to make an announcement in advance, in this case, of a Parliamentary Question?
I do not agree. Once the Government decide on such a course, it should, I feel, be announced as soon as possible.
The Minister is aware that in matters in which taxation is involved, the normal procedure is to make the announcement first to the Dáil. The Minister will appreciate that in a matter of this sort a number of questions arise and I do not know whether at this stage it would be possible for him to answer them. Could he indicate the estimated additional revenue it is expected to secure from the levies between now and 31st March? Could he say, further, whether traders and others affected by the levies will be entitled to pass on to customers the additional increase due to the levies or will it be necessary to secure the Minister's permission in this case and, if so, what procedure will be adopted to secure such permission? Further, can the Minister say whether in view of the fact that on this occasion a preferential rate of levy applies to British goods or commodities, any specific representations were made to the British Government concerning the surcharge imposed last year?
This is not an imposition of taxation, as I think the Deputy appreciates. The action is to curb imports, the Government having first tried to do it in other ways. As it is not a taxation measure, it does not require to be brought to the House. If there are any other details the Deputy would like, he should address questions to the Minister for Finance.
Would the Minister say whether or not these levies need the force of legislation and, if so would the Taoiseach not avail of an early opportunity, if legislation is to be promoted to give force to these levies, for a general economic debate? It is obvious from the questions Deputy Cosgrave has asked and the questions that people are asking, that we need a clear statement from the Government as to our present economic situation and the measures which the Government have proposed outside the Dáil. I do not accept the excuse of the Minister for Industry and Commerce when he says it was decided it should be done. That was only yesterday, and the Dáil meets today.
If there is a general desire for a discussion on the economic situation, I will be prepared to facilitate it. Perhaps the Whips could discuss making an arrangement.
I accept that, and we shall probably take the Taoiseach up on it but the Taoiseach should have taken the initiative in this regard.
What programme is this? Is this the Third Programme?
Would the Taoiseach himself not, after there have been consultations with the Whips, initiate a discussion and give us a general outline?
I suggest the Whips should meet and consider how and when a discussion may be arranged.
Does the Taoiseach not consider that the first statement on such a matter should be from him?
This is not a chamber of commerce.
While I welcome the Taoiseach's suggestion, can the Taoiseach say at this stage what steps traders are entitled to take who are affected by the levy, if they are entitled to make representations to the Department of Industry and Commerce, and what procedure will be adopted in the case of goods where the prices are affected? Secondly, can the Taoiseach or the Minister for Industry and Commerce say if any specific representations have been made to the British Government in view of the preferential rate of levy applicable on this side to British imported goods, in respect of the British surcharge?
So far as traders are concerned, what we want them to do is to stop buying these goods, which are not essential, for the duration of the period of the levy. In regard to representations to the British Government, we have made frequent representations in regard to their surcharge but their obligations under the trade agreements are different from ours. Our obligation was to give a preferential rate.
Might I inquire is this 1956 or 1965?
I will inquire and let the Deputy know.
The Taoiseach would want to.
Mr. O'Malley
There is a difference of 22½ per cent.
Do not talk too soon.