asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that considerable anxiety has been caused among woodworkers generally as a result of the recent total removal of the fifty per cent. import duty on softwoods, which is likely to have an adverse effect on employment among woodworkers in this country; and that the removal of this duty makes it probable that imported softwoods may be sold at a dumped price in this country; and what steps he is taking to prevent both the selling of softwoods at a dumped price, and the redundancy of woodworkers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in Woodwork Industry.
32.
The duty in question was removed in the transposition of the customs and excise tariff to the Brussels nomenclature and steps are being taken to have it restored.
Can the Minister say how soon it may be restored?
Very shortly. I cannot say in terms of days or weeks but it will be very shortly.
Will supplies be taken in before that?
Is the Minister taking any steps to ensure that a lot of softwood timber will not be dumped in the meantime?
I can assure the Deputy that all reasonable steps will be taken to safeguard the status quo as it existed before the transposition of the tariffs.
Apart from taking reasonable steps, will the Minister take all steps?
Reasonable steps are long enough.