asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the new enactments with reference to the certificate of origin of goods exported in bulk from a country which is not the country of origin of such goods—e.g., the export of Plate maize from Britain—will entail much cost and inconvenience to the Free State importers of such goods, and if he will consider the advisability of modifying such enactments as far as they apply to the importation of such bulk cargoes, and accept as heretofore for customs purposes the usual certificate of origin issued by the shippers of such goods.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Certificate of Origin of Goods.
A modification of the procedure originally prescribed by the Revenue Commissioners has been made. Under the modified arrangement the only cost which will fall upon British exporters is the cost of the form of Certificate of Origin. Hitherto a certificate of origin was not required for such goods as "Plate maize". Therefore the reference to the "usual certificate issued for such goods" is not understood.
Is it not true that the Revenue Commissioners have decided to waive the requisition for a certificate of origin in respect of certain consignments and would it not be possible to waive it in respect of such consignments as a cargo of maize, the origin of which cannot be in any serious doubt at any time?
I have nothing to add to the reply which I have already given. I may point out, however, that maize is not liable for duty and it is only admitted under licence on the recommendation of the Minister for Agriculture.
Need it, in fact, be accompanied by a certificate of origin?
No, I do not think so.
Then the difficulty ceases to exist.