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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Nov 1962

Vol. 197 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Levy on Fresh Fish Imports.

40.

asked the Minister for Lands whether, in regard to the levy imposed on importers of fresh fish, he is satisfied that the cost of the levy is not finally passed on to the consumer; and, if so, what evidence he has that such is not the case.

The voluntary contribution payable by importers of fresh fish is an integral part of revised importing arrangements introduced a few years ago. These arrangements enable me to exercise effective control over the imports and at the same time enable the importers to buy to the best advantage so that fish can be imported more cheaply than before. Such a reduction in cost falls to be offset against the contribution with the result that the price payable by the consumer should not be higher than under a more rigid system of import control which I would feel obliged to impose in the absence of the contribution. In other words, the contribution at the rate of 3d. a lb. to the Fishing Industry Development Fund must not be considered in isolation but as part of arrangements aimed at providing cheaper fish for the consumer.

Is it a fact that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara are the only importers of fish and that they, having bought the fish, sell it at a higher price to other fish wholesalers?

The Deputy is misinformed. There are a number of other importers.

At least a dozen.

It is limited.

The wholesale fishmongers have now got their hands on this business and on the fishermen as well.

That has been the case for a number of years.

You are telling me!

For the past five years.

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