asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that apples from Armagh and other parts of the Six Counties were on sale in Dublin recently at £10 per ton, not-withstanding the duty of £18 13s. 4d. per ton, or 2d. per lb. and, as a consequence, home growers could not dispose of their crop economically, and if he will state whether the duty was collected or evaded in respect of such apples.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Armagh Apples.
I am not aware that apples from Armagh and other parts of the Six Counties were on sale in Dublin recently at £10 per ton and that as a consequence home growers could not dispose of their crop economically. Raw applies are liable to customs duty at the flat rate of 1d. per pound (i.e., £9 6s. 8d. per ton), and not at the rate stated in the question. There is no reason to suspect that there is evasion of payment of duty on raw apples imported from Armagh, or other parts of the Six Counties.