asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the protection given to the people of this country who grow apples; and what amount of apples are imported into this country each year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Apple Industry.
5.
Apples other than of United Kingdom origin may be imported only under licence from my Department and no licences are granted in any year during the period from 7th July until such time as home growers have had a reasonable opportunity of clearing their crop.
All apples imported between 1st August and the end of February also bear customs duty at the rate of 1½d per lb, a reduced rate of 1d per lb, however, applying to the first 3,000 tons of United Kingdom origin. Apples other than those of United Kingdom origin bear a duty of 1d per lb between 1st March and 31st July.
Particulars of apple imports are given in the published monthly Trade Statistics.