asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why leather gloves manufactured in Hong Kong are allowed into this country duty free.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Glove Imports.
41.
Leather gloves which are ordinary wearing apparel are not allowed into this country without payment of duty, since there is adequate capacity here to supply the needs of the market.
Where gloves are "designed, constructed and intended for use by persons in the course of their employment, as a protection against injury or disease", they may be imported, duty free, under the provisions of Article 27 of the Imposition of Duties (No. 159) (Customs Duties and Form of Customs Tariff) Order, 1966.
The implementation of this order is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners but I am having an examination made of the position as it affects Irish industry and, in this, full regard will be had to the availability of suitable articles from home manufacturers.
Will the Minister tell the House when this examination started and when it will be completed?
It has started and it will be completed as speedily as possible.
Is the Minister aware that there are jobs at stake?
I am as concerned as the Deputy about this. Under the order referred to it has been found possible by using the description "designed, constructed and intended for use by persons in the course of their employment" to effect entry without duty which, as I see it, should not be allowed to happen.