Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 7

Written Answers. - Second-hand Car Imports.

Peter Barry

Question:

91 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, despite the costs of shipping from Japan, the average carriage insurance and freight cost of second-hand cars from Japan is significantly lower than the average carriage insurance and freight cost of second-hand cars imported from Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

I am aware that trade data for 1990 show that the CIF cost of the average second-hand car imported from Britain was higher than the CIF cost of the average second-hand car imported from Japan last year. The Minister for Finance does not, however, seek to influence importers of second-hand cars as regards what, or where, to buy on the basis of price.