asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of any action taken by the British Board of Trade with regard to imposing levies on the export of fertilisers by Irish companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Industry.
36.
I take it that the question refers to anti-dumping duties. A complaint of dumping of fertilisers from a number of countries, including Ireland, was accepted for investigation by the British Department of Trade and Industry in October last, and my Department was notified immediately in accordance with the normal practice as provided for in the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement. The British authorities found, on investigation, that there were no grounds for action against the Irish exporters. No notification of any further complaint has been received.
Could the Minister say how long it took the British Board of Trade to give that decision?
Some months.
Could he indicate the number of weeks?
I have the date for the complaint but not the date of clearance.
The Minister cannot even indicate the month?
I was under the impression that it was two or three months.