asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the hardship involved under present regulations to newly married couples going abroad to live, he will now consider granting permits to such people to export their wedding presents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Permits and Wedding Presents.
I am aware that the prohibition on the export of wedding presents involves hardships on newly married couples going abroad to live. It will, however, be appreciated that the object of this prohibition is to conserve supplies for use at home and that the types of articles usually given as wedding presents, namely, furniture, linen, blankets and other household goods, are still in very short supply and cannot be allowed to be exported. The whole question is, however, under continuous examination and, as the general supply position improves, the present restrictions will be modified subject to precautions against the abuses to which this type of export is open.
Surely the Minister realises that it is a very small quantity that is involved in this matter.
Is the Minister aware that married couples from Southern Ireland who become domiciled in Northern Ireland are in the same position? Does he intend to make any alterations in these regulations?
No.
Will the Minister say why?
I could not agree with Deputy Hughes that only a small quantity is involved. It would not be practicable to carry out complete investigation into every case where application was made. When such export was permitted a very large number of abuses arose which necessitated the imposition of the present restriction.
Will exception not be made in respect of articles that are not in short supply which are given to newly married couples as presents?
There is exception made in certain cases.
In respect of certain articles?
Yes.