asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the British prohibition against the importation of tobacco from Rhodesia will affect supplies to Ireland from that country; and, if so, what alternative supplies will be obtained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Rhodesian Tobacco.
79.
I do not know whether the British prohibition against the importation of tobacco from Rhodesia will affect supplies to Ireland from that country but, in any event, as I informed the Deputy in reply to a question on this subject on 27th October, 1965, imports of tobacco from Rhodesia to this country constitute a very small proportion of total tobacco imports. The procuring of supplies from alternative sources, should this become necessary, would be a matter for the manufacturers concerned, and I have no reason to assume that there would be any difficulty about obtaining such supplies.
In view of the strong possibility of an increase in the world price of tobacco by reason of the non-availability of tobacco from Rhodesia, will the Minister see that there is no increase in the price of cigarettes and tobacco?
I cross my bridges when I come to them, if I come to them.
I hope the Minister remembers that he told the House a short time ago that about 3 per cent of our tobacco came from Rhodesia.
I said 3.7 per cent.