asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a consignment of hickory pick handles (American) for Messrs. R. Scott and Co., Ltd., MacCurtain Street, Cork, is being held in bond for the payment of a customs duty at the ad valorem rate of 50 per cent. because the handles are not fitted to pickaxes; that the rate of duty on the article complete with handle is less than that on the handle alone and will give a preference of about 20 per cent. to British makers of the complete article; that the firm in question manufacture pickaxes, and this imposition of duty on the handles will necessitate the cessation of such work, and if in view of this he will consider having unfitted pick handles exempted from the duty, and also whether he will give instructions to have the consignment released without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tariff on Pick Handles.
Pick handles are not at present liable to duty, and instructions have been issued to ensure the delivery without charge of the consignment referred to by the Deputy.