asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that under section 25 of the Finance Act, 1933, biscuits manufactured in the Republic of Ireland and exported to Northern Ireland may be purchased in Northern Ireland and imported to the Republic without restriction; if he is further aware that biscuits exported to Northern Ireland carry a generous subsidy and can therefore be sold in Northern Ireland at prices substantially below the purchase price in the Republic; if he will have the matter corrected; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Biscuit Trade.
130.
I am aware that, under the terms of the Finance Act, 1933, biscuits which are exported may be reimported without payment of duty on production of satisfactory evidence that they were manufactured here.
Biscuits exported to Northern Ireland do not enjoy a subsidy. I am informed that there have been occasions in the recent past when some biscuits produced here could be purchased at reduced prices in Northern Ireland. This, however, is no longer the case so that the situation which favoured the re-importation of biscuits no longer exists.