asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is a fact that glassware made in England is admitted free of duty into this country, while the British Government have refused to permit the sale of Irish glassware in Great Britain; and if he will now endeavour to secure reciprocity of treatment for Irish glassware in Great Britain, or failing this, impose a tariff on imported glassware so as to prevent unfair competition with our producers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Glassware Imports.
Glassware imported into this country which is suitable for domestic or household use or ornament is liable to an ad valorem revenue duty of 10 per cent. whether made in England or elsewhere outside this country. I understand that there is at present in force, under emergency legislation, a general prohibition, save under licence, on the importation of certain types of glassware, such as drinking glasses, into Great Britain, and that the British authorities are not prepared to issue a licence for the importation of such articles from any source. It is not proposed to make any special representations in the matter, nor is it intended, in present circumstances, to impose a higher duty on imported glassware.
Is the Minister aware that recently a well-known company here were offered 100,000 Irish-made glasses at prices ranging from 10d. to 1/5 each, while, at the same time, they could purchase imported glasses for 3½d. each, and does he not consider it desirable to increase the duty to protect Irish-made glasses?
That is a very general issue, but I think we should not increase the duty on imported glasses until there is a prospect that they can be manufactured here as cheaply as they can be in Great Britain, or at a price which bears comparison with the price at which glasses are available in Great Britain.
Would it be correct to say that the glasses imported here from England were sold here retail at a price equal to the wholesale English price?
I do not think so.