asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for removal of duty and tax on all imported health foods not made or processed in this country, so that such foods may be available at a price free of duty to all who wish to obtain them but find that imposed duty makes it prohibitive to obtain supplies frequently.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imported Health Foods.
12.
I have arranged with the Ministers for Finance, Industry and Commerce, and Agriculture and Fisheries that if the Deputy will submit to whichever is appropriate, having regard to any particular food he has in mind, the details in regard to that product, the question of exemption from duty will be considered.
Would the Minister be prepared favourably to consider the general range of stocks available for sale in the health centres, most of which are imported and not readily available here, and which are of very great benefit to the health of the community in general if they have a knowledge of such foods?
It is quite a complicated matter. There are a great many of these processed foods which have perhaps rather a marginal effect on people's health. I would have to consider all that. The question of the reception or revenue is important in relation to the benefit conferred. In the meantime, the matter will be considered by the Ministers concerned. The matter will be examined as sympathetically as possible.