The purpose of this Bill is to remove the prohibition imposed by the Customs Consolidation Act, 1876, on the importation of instant tea and to make the importation of instant tea subject to the same controls as leaf, tea, namely, that it must be purchased in and imported from the country of origin either by Tea Importers Limited or by a registered tea trader.
There is a public demand for instant tea for use, principally in tea dispensing machines and for some time I have had representations to have the prohibition on its importation removed. In addition to that, arising out of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement, it is necessary to remove, with effect from the 1st July, 1966, restrictions on the importation of instant tea manufactured in Britain. Instant tea manufactured in Britain will be free from restrictions. The importation of leaf tea from Britain will continue to be prohibited.
If that is not clear I shall try to explain it again.