asked the Minister for Finance whether any changes have been made in the last three months in the regulations governing the moisture content of tobacco and cigarettes; if so, the nature and extent of such changes; and the reasons therefor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Moisture Content of Tobacco and Cigarettes.
7.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and an answer to the second part does not, therefore, arise.
Is the Minister aware that the trade has been informed that the moisture content of cigarettes has increased and that there was in this year an undue delay between the time the Budget increases were announced and the time the trade was informed of the resultant increases to them? Is the Minister further aware that there were at least three drafts of a letter prepared for issue to the trade and that these were amended in consultation with the Revenue Commissioners in order to provide for the changes in the moisture content?
The Deputy asked me whether any changes had been made in the last three months in the regulations governing the moisture content of tobacco. No such change has taken place. In fact, the only rule, ordinance, decree or regulation governing the moisture content of tobacco is the Customs and Inland Revenue Act, 1887. No change has taken place since then.