asked the Minister for Finance if, in the interests of service to the public and the efficiency of the taxi trade, he proposes to permit the importation of the FX4 London type taxis at a reduced level of duty.

As the duty in question is fully fiscal in nature and forms part of the revenue-yielding complex of excise duties on motor vehicles, their parts and accessories, authorisations to reduce or remit this duty are not issued.

I did not catch the words the Minister used about duty.

As the duty in question is fully fiscal in nature and forms part of the revenue-yielding complex of excise duties on motor vehicles, their parts and accessories, authorisations to reduce or remit this duty are not issued.

I would not accept at all what the Minister says. Does he agree that there is a strong feeling among users of taxis and the Taximen's Federation themselves that it would be very helpful to the domestic situation and the tourist trade that there be some rationalisation and modernisation of standards with regard to this type of taxi? Does he see any reason, if it was not a Government decision, why this duty could not be lifted by himself or his senior Minister?

It is considered that the granting of a reduction in the excise duty in the case mentioned could have a snowballing effect on other such vehicles. I am sure the Deputy appreciates that we have a motor industry here and we have to protect it.

I am not sure what the snowballing effect on vehicles means. I am not being facetious.

It means that you would have a number of other vehicles of different makes asking for the same concession.

That is different. Is that the real reason? The Minister indicated earlier that that was not the reason this matter was not being considered.

In the interests of Irish industry it would be our main reason.

I understood the Minister to have said that the reason is to ensure that those duties are fully fiscal in nature. Could he explain to the House exactly what is meant by this term?

All I can say is that this matter has been considered.

That is not the question I asked. What does the Minister mean by what he said?

The real fear is that opening doors like that would have a snowball effect and that a number of other vehicles would want consideration given to them. That opinion was given after very serious consideration.

What does the Minister mean when he says that those duties are fully fiscal in nature?

I have already answered the question. This is after grave consideration of the whole position.

I am not asking about grave consideration or anything like that. I am asking the meaning of the reason given by the Minister.

This opinion was given after representations were made on the matter. I have nothing further to add on this matter.

The Minister has not answered the question.

Question No. 20 is withdrawn.