asked the Minister for Finance the effect to date of the special import levies; and whether they will be continued after 31st March next.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Import Levies.
9.
The special import levy was introduced on 2nd November, 1965, and detailed import statistics for a sufficiently representative period are not yet available. Consquently, it is not possible to undertake any useful analysis of imports of goods affected by the levy.
I would point out that, since the levy is but one of a number of measures introduced for the purpose of rectifying the imbalance in our external payments, it would be difficult to determine the effect of the levy on imports in isolation from other factors.
The question of the continuation of the levy will be considered before the end of March in the light of anticipated developments in the economic situation.
Could the Minister tell us are they proving successful and do the Government anticipate that our adverse trade balance will be brought within manageable proportions this year with these levies?
That does not seem to arise out of the question.
Not with the levies alone. As I said, there are other factors that have an impact on the imbalance of payments.
10.
asked the Minister for Finance the revenue collected to date from the special import levies imposed on 2nd November last; and the purposes for which the revenue so obtained has been used.
The yield of Special Import Levy up to 31st January, 1966, was £360,000 approximately; this amount was paid into the Exchequer for application to general Exchequer purposes.
Does that include the unnecessary expense of having two elections on different dates?
General Exchequer purposes cover ordinary revenue outlay.
Including two elections? Silence means consent.