HC Deb 08 March 1956 vol 549 cc215-6W
35. Captain Orr

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that while carpets imported from the Irish Republic are duty free, subject to Purchase Tax, the Irish Republican Government levy a duty of 40 per cent. on carpets exported from the United Kingdom; and what representations he has made to the Eireann Government on the subject.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Under these arrangements the United Kingdom exports of carpets and rugs to the Republic last year were to the value of £260,000 as against imports from the Republic of only £33,000. The 40 per cent. duty charged by the Irish Republic is a preferential one for the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. An inquiry into the level of this duty arranged recently by the Irish Republic Government at my request resulted in the recommendation to retain the duty at its present level.

Captain Orr

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that while leather merchants in Eire are permitted to send hides into the United Kingdom free of duty, United Kingdom merchants are prohibited from selling hides to Eire; and what discussions on the matter he has had with the Eireann authorities.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am advised that there is no prohibition on the sale of hides from the United Kingdom in the Irish Republic, nor is there any duty thereon.

Captain Orr

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Eireann Government charge a duty of 3½d. per 1b. on weight of biscuits exported from the United Kingdom, together with a package tax of 2d. on each package under seven pounds; that the United Kingdom duty on biscuits imported from Eire is charged only on sugar content and averages one tenth of one penny per lb; and what representations he has made towards achieving reciprocity in this matter.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am aware of these facts. No representations have been made to the Irish Republic since 1938 when these duties on our exports were reduced to their present level in pursuance of the trade agreement concluded in that year. As regards the last part of the Question, this trade agreement, like our other trade agreements, provides reciprocal advantages, but is not intended to establish reciprocity in the tariff treatment of individual articles.