This Bill is in part a simple one, and has for its object, taking power to vary, either by addition or omission, the countries to which the benefit of the preferential rate, attached to any duty, applies, and in respect of future duties where there is a preferential rate, to enable the countries, to whom the benefit of that rate will be extended, to be determined, subsequent to the enactment of the duties. At the present time, the Saorstát is required to extend, automatically, to countries of the Commonwealth the benefit of any preferential rate that may be in operation, and the Saorstát is the only country in the Commonwealth that adopts that practice. It is considered desirable that that should be terminated, and that, in future, the benefit of preferential duties should be granted only to countries with which we have made agreements requiring such treatment. It is not contemplated that the powers in this Bill will be used to any great extent but it is thought desirable that the Saorstát should have such powers. It is provided that every order shall cease to have effect, and will become invalid, at the expiration of three months from the making thereof, unless such order is approved of by the Dáil by resolution passed before the expiration of the said three months.
Customs Duties (Preferential Rates) Bill, 1934—(Certified Money Bill)—Second Stage.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
Question put and agreed to.