asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will say, with reference to the restrictions on the importation of pocketed drip-dry and non-iron nylon sheets for the catering trade, the types of sheets considered by his Department to be reasonable substitutes therefor; and if he will state, having regard to the need to reduce overheads in the hotel industry, whether steps will be taken to encourage the manufacture here of pocketed nylon sheets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nylon Sheets.
22.
Imported sheets are subject to an ad valorem duty of 40 per cent or a specific duty of 8/-each, whichever is the greater. This duty was imposed for the protection of Irish manufacturers of cotton sheets. Sheets are also subject to the 15 per cent Special Import Levy.
In order that traders may be able to offer a variety of sheets, they are allowed to import one sheet duty-free for every four they buy from the home manufacturers. Under this arrangement they may, if they so desire, import the types of nylon sheet referred to by the Deputy.
I am sure that Irish manufacturers will make nylon sheets as soon as the demand warrants it.
The Parliamentary Secretary spoke of a special levy of 15 per cent.
That is what it says here.
Would I be correct in saying the special levy is ten per cent?
It should be.