asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the delay in the clearing by the Customs authorities of parts and accessories of agricultural machinery after payment of the duty; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to farmers particularly at this time of the year when such accessories are urgently required, steps will be taken to have clearance of such articles expedited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs and Agricultural Machinery Parts.
I am not aware of any delay on the part of the Customs authorities in the clearance of goods of any description in respect of which payment to them of the appropriate duty has been made. If the Deputy will let me have particulars of any such case I shall certainly have the matter investigated and shall take steps to have clearance expedited. I would, however, ask the Deputy to assure himself in any case of complaint of delay that the duty has actually been paid to the Customs. It is quite usual to find that a considerable period has elapsed between the date on which the imported paid over the duty to his agents and the date on which the duty is paid to the collector. In many such cases, importers, no doubt, are under the impression that they have paid the duty direct to the Customs and that the goods are ready for clearance.
Perhaps I may have been misinformed, but I have in my hand a letter from a man to whom quantities of articles were sent in May. He paid the duty a few days afterwards, and up to Tuesday last the goods were still not delivered. He further adds that as far as agricultural machinery parts are concerned he had to return the machine under repair, because he could not get the parts delivered.
I would remind the Deputy of the terms of my answer. I do not know whether it is intended, or whether it would be worth while, to ask the Deputy to pass the letter on to me.
I shall send the letter to the Minister.