asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the amount of customs duty applicable to electrolytic condensers, the date from which the present duty was imposed, the purpose of the duty, and if he will state when previously a customs duty was imposed on these articles and the amount of that duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrolytic Condensers.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the extent to which electrolytic condensers are manufactured in this country, the total amount of employment given and the annual amount paid in salaries and wages.
I propose to take the Deputy's two questions about electrolytic condensers together. These goods became liable to duty at the rate of 75 per cent. ad valorem (50 per cent. preferential rate) on 18th May, 1946, when new duties were imposed on wireless apparatus with the object of encouraging the development of the wireless industry; previously electrolytic condensers were liable to 25 per cent. ad valorem. Electrolytic condensers are not being made here and, until such time as they are, duty free licences will be recommended for the importation of electrolytic condensers by firms engaged in the wireless industry for incorporation in the sets which they produce.
Will the Minister say whether this is for the purpose of getting electrolytic condensers made in this country?
The answer to the Deputy's question is "yes." The new scale of duties relating to wireless sets and wireless sets parts was brought into operation early this year so that firms proposing to engage in their manufacture would know precisely the conditions with which they would have to comply and the degree of manufacture they would have to undertake in order to secure exemption from duty.
When were the notices issued?
The new duty was brought into operation in May for that purpose.
Do I understand that the purpose of the duty is to get condensers made in this country, or is the purpose to give special facilities for the free import of electrolytic condensers to persons who are going to make radio sets in this country as distinct from manufacturing electrolytic condensers?
The intention is that they will be made here. We regard these as parts of wireless apparatus which could be and should be made here and I understand that arrangements already have been made for their manufacture.
Will the Minister say why he discriminates between different classes of importers?
Because free import is being given only to persons engaged in the manufacture of wireless sets, as a temporary measure.