asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the total quantity and value of sugar imported, and the amount of Customs duty paid thereon, during the 12 months ended (a) the 31st March, 1938, and (b) the 31st March, 1939.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Imports.
The total quantity of sugar imported in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1938, was 441,654 cwts., c.i.f., value £185,418, and in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1939, was 1,114,313 cwts., c.i.f., value £439,260. It is not possible to state the total amount of Customs duty paid on sugar imported in a particular financial year, because on part of the sugar which was warehoused, duty may not have been levied in that financial year. The imported sugar charged with duty during one financial year does not include some sugar warehoused in that year, and includes some sugar warehoused in a previous year. The net receipts of duty from imported sugar retained for home consumption in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1938, were £300,256 11s. 6d., and in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1939, were £882,786 9s. 10d., the corresponding net quantities being 397,220 cwts. and 1,110,753 cwts. respectively.
What was the second figure quoted by the Minister in respect of duty paid on sugar?
£882,786 9s. 10d.
Do I understand the Minister to say that there was nearly £1,000,000 collected in revenue duty on sugar in 1939?
I am not responsible for what the Deputy understands.
Did I hear the Minister correctly, as stating that the amount raised in revenue on sugar was nearly £1,000,000 in 1939?
I gave the figure twice. I do not know if the Deputy heard it.
Perhaps if the Minister would read the reply less quickly and more clearly, Deputies would hear it.