asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that serious loss is being caused to farmers owning mowing machines not manufactured in this State by reason of the fact that parts for these machines are being held up for long periods by the Customs Authorities, and whether he will direct the Customs Authorities to clear such parts without any delay upon receipt of the sums payable thereon as import duty.

I am not aware that parts for mowing machines are held up, at importation, for long periods by the Customs Authorities after the duty has been paid to those authorities. If the Deputy has particulars of any case in which the position is or has been, as indicated in the question, I should be glad to be furnished with them in order that I may have the fullest investigation made.

I shall send particulars to the Minister but I would press the Minister to give an undertaking that no undue delay will take place because he must understand himself the big loss it entails to these people to have parts held up.

I am quite prepared to give the undertaking.

I shall send the Minister particulars of the complaints I have received.

I should like the Deputy to understand that sometimes allegations are made that the Customs Authorities hold up an article after the duty is paid and very often it happens that in such cases the duty has not been paid.

I think I heard the Minister make such allegations some time ago himself.

Possibly, but he has reformed since.

I can give the Minister details of articles that have been held up for six weeks after the duty has been paid.