asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the quantity of coke imported into the Saorstát since the 1st of January of the present year; (2) the names of the countries from which it was mainly imported; (3) whether any import duty is payable on this commodity; (4) whether he is aware that the sale of coke from continental countries is having a serious effect on the sales of Saorstát coke; (5) whether any representations have been made to his Department regarding the danger of such traffic to the prosperity of native concerns; (6) whether there is not a surplus of native coke relative to home requirements, and (7) whether in the interests of employment in the Saorstát he will take steps to prevent or restrict such imports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import of Coke.
I am circulating with the Official Report a statement containing the information required in respect of the quantity of coke imported from various countries. Import duty is chargeable under Emergency Imposition of Duties (No. 5) Order, 1935, on coke imported from the United Kingdom at the rate of 5/- per ton. The whole question of coke production in the Saorstát and its absorption in the Saorstát market is at present under consideration.
Following is the statement referred to:—
Quantity of Coke imported into Saorstát Eireann from each Country in the Ten Months, January-October, 1935:—
|
COUNTRY |
By Country of Consignment |
By Country of Origin |
|
Three Months, January-March, 1935 |
Seven Months, April-October, 1935 |
|
|
Tons |
Tons |
|
|
Great Britain |
2,436 |
5,359 |
|
Northern Ireland |
314 |
366 |
|
Belgium |
3,471 |
2,016 |
|
Germany |
357 |
4,318 |
|
Netherlands |
99 |
— |
|
TOTAL |
6,677 |
12,059 |
NOTE.—As from 1st April, 1935, the statistics of imports are being compiled by country of origin; previously they were compiled by country from which consigned.