asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether he has had representations from Irish manufacturers to the effect that Irish industrial development is in some respects hampered by Customs duties, on (1) raw materials, and (2) certain manufactured articles used for further manufacture; and if he will state (1) the nature of these raw materials, and such other articles, and (2) the particular manufacturing industries stated to be so affected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Industrial Development.
Dr. Ryan
The Department has received on occasions objections to the payment of Customs duties on raw materials or semi-manufactured articles. These objections were duly considered and where proved well founded my powers of licensing were exercised in favour of the industry affected. It should be remembered that—except in the case of a duty imposed definitely for revenue purposes —no Customs duty has been imposed except with a view to compelling the use of Saorstát-made materials. It is the policy of the Government to induce importers to buy Saorstát-produced goods where available, and this policy applies to raw materials or partly-manufactured articles required by other industries. I might add that there is no evidence that industrial development has been hampered by the carrying out of a policy which is particularly designed to promote industrial development.
Are there not cases existing at present where industries in this country are suffering under the disability that they are paying high prices for raw material and semi-manufactured articles and that they are not being granted licences to import these free of duty?
Dr. Ryan
I do not know of any instances.