asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state(1) the method or basis adopted in the calculation of the charges for customs clearance which increased from 6d. to 2/- per parcel and (2) the increased revenue anticipated as a result of this increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Charges on Parcels.
(1) a costing was made of the post office work involved in collecting and accounting for customs charges. It was found that any fee less than 2/- would be uneconomic. Nevertheless a fee of 1/- only is being levied for customs charges under 10/-. The revised fees do not fully recompense the Department. (2) The additional revenue, resulting from the increased fees, is estimated at £12,000 per annum. (3) The 6d. delivery fee, on incoming non-dutiable parcels, which did not apply to those from Great Britain and Canada, was abolished in conjunction with this increase with a resultant annual loss of approximately £7,000. The net additional revenue from these revisions is therefore estimated at £5,000 per annum.