asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will remove the tariff from horse-drawn mowing machines so that imports of these may be arranged in time for the harvest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tariff on Mowing Machines.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, the duty on horse-drawn mowing machines was imposed as a protective measure in connection with the production of agricultural machinery generally in this country. I have no reason to believe that the number of mowing machines in the country, together with the output of our manufacturers of agricultural machinery during the present year, will not be sufficient to meet the demand for these machines for the harvest. At the moment, therefore, I see no reason to recommend the removal of the duty, but I am keeping the position under close observation.
I may mention for the information of the Deputy, that the position regarding agricultural machinery was considered shortly after the outbreak of the war, and, with a view to facilitating the farming community in the effort for increased food production, the duty on agricultural machines was amended, so as to secure that all parts of agricultural machines (other than plough parts) would be free of duty, if the value of the parts did not exceed £2. There is no duty on the importation of reapers and binders.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that if we could get in these mowing machines, the imports would spare metal that is badly needed for industrial production here? There is also an acute shortage of other kinds of metal at the present time which threatens to close down several industries. Is he further aware that some of the largest manufacturers of mowing machines have indicated that they will not attempt to jump the tariff barrier this year, and will not send any new machines, because it is not worth while, even if the tariff barrier was not there, as they can sell their entire production in England without facing any tariff?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that if he agreed to the suggestion of Deputy Dillon between 300 and 400 men might be unemployed in Wexford?
Mr. Brennan
Why should they?
Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the Minister for Supplies has warned us to gather all the tin cans we can and all the salvage in order to keep the metal industries going here? He did that very rightly and very properly, but does he realise that his refusal to permit the import of these machines, which would relieve the metal shortage here, by retention of this tariff, which is closely analogous to the tariff on horse-drawn vehicles which he of his own volition removed a fortnight ago, prevents that? Unless we are all daft in this country we ought to do what I suggest.