asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the recent British tariff legislation has hampered enormously the trade carried on with Northern Ireland and Great Britain by the residents of this country; and if he will state what steps, if any, he has taken, or proposes to take, to remove the difficulties in the way of such trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Effect of British Tariffs.
If the Deputy will send me particulars of the precise difficulties which he has in mind I will consider the matter.
The precise difficulties at the moment include the entry of all goods as formerly; that is, prior to the recent legislation. Take Indian meal, of which there is an enormous quantity ground by Free State millers along the Border. These mills were given new life by the oatmeal tax imposed recently. They are exporting maize meal across the Border and there is hopeless confusion existing now on the Border. It is due perhaps to red tape on the other side of the Border. I think it is the duty of the Department to see that all the paths are smoothed for the export of our stuff.
I will be glad to have an opportunity of discussing the matter with the Deputy.
I suggest the best way to get over the difficulty would be for the Deputy to approach his friends on the other side of the Border and ask them to have the Border removed.