asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total amount of coal licensed to be admitted from Great Britain and Northern Ireland, free of duty, since the coming into operation of Control of Imports (Quota No. 11) Order, 1935; the bodies or persons to whom such licences were issued; and the total amount of coal for which such licences were granted to each such body or person.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Imports.
The preparation of a return giving the information asked for would involve an expenditure of time and labour which could not be justified. Further, there are serious objections to the disclosure of information, obtained officially, relating to the business of individual traders.
Information as to the total quantities of coal, etc., imported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland under licence free of duty is, however, readily available, and particulars of such importations since the 1st January, 1935, will be circulated with the Official Report.
Following are the particulars referred to:—
Particulars of Importations of Coal, etc., from Great Britain and Northern Ireland under licence free of Duty since the 1st January, 1935.
|
Anthracite |
Gas |
Household |
Steam |
TOTAL |
|
|
Tons |
Tons |
Tons |
Tons |
Tons |
|
|
January |
1,058 |
— |
282 |
3,841 |
5,181 |
|
February |
1,374 |
— |
28 |
23,160 |
24,562 |
|
March |
1,454 |
— |
— |
22,243 |
23,697 |
|
April |
776 |
297 |
815 |
24,551 |
26,439 |
|
May |
673 |
— |
59 |
27,452 |
28,184 |
|
5,335 |
297 |
1,184 |
101,247 |
108,063 |
Do I understand from the Minister that the number of persons who have got licences to import coal free of duty is so great that this return cannot be given?
I do not know what the Deputy understands, but I have nothing to add to the answer.
I understood the Minister to say that it would entail time and expense to provide a list of the persons and the amount of coal they were licensed to import free of duty. Is it because of the number of persons who have got licences that that expense would be incurred and that time taken?
I think my original reply covers the supplementary question fully.
Is it not the Minister's attitude that he is not going to provide this information because of the time and expense it would entail?
If the Deputy has at last grasped that fact, yes.
Do I understand that it is because of the enormous number of persons who have been granted licences that this very considerable amount of time would be taken in preparing the answer?
I am afraid I shall have to read the first part of the reply again: "The preparation of a return giving the information asked for would involve an expenditure of time and labour which could not be justified."
Why? Is it because of the large number of persons, or because the applications have been lost through want of care in the Minister's Department in filing the licences?