asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that owing to the high import duty upon varnish containing spirits (amounting to £3 15s. 6d. on varnish which costs from 5s. to 10s. per gallon), makers of furniture in the Saorstát are heavily handicapped in competition with British manufacturers, and whether he will make representations to the Revenue authorities with a view to securing a remission of duty on varnish used as a raw material in Irish industries.

Complaints have already been received from several traders on this matter, about which I am in communication with the Minister for Finance. I have little doubt that before long it will be possible for manufacturers in the Saorstát who require for their business such articles as varnish containing industrial spirits, to obtain their requirements within the Saorstát, but the Minister for Finance is considering whether in the meantime relief can reasonably be given.