HC Deb 27 October 1955 vol 545 c364
30. Captain Pilkington

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement concerning foreign business firms making use of Eire in order to import goods into this country without paying duty.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir. I have seen reports that the Irish Republic is seeking to attract investment from abroad. So indeed is the United Kingdom.

The Irish Republic enjoys the advantages and gives the United Kingdom the benefits of Imperial Preference under the Trade Agreements of 1938 and 1948. Goods produced by foreign subsidiaries established in the Irish Republic, the United Kingdom or any part of the Imperial Preference area enjoy the benefits of the preferential system throughout that area.