To ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is a fact that Messrs. Guinness have imported large quantities of malt into Ireland for the past three months, and, if so, could the Minister state the quantity; and what steps he would suggest might be taken to protect the Irish barley growers.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - IMPORTATION OF MALT.
It is a fact that Messrs. Guinness have imported considerable quantities of malt into Ireland during the past three months. Figures showing the quantities imported by any individual firm are not obtainable. The total import of malt into (all) Ireland during the months of October and November, 1922, was 5,032 tons, as compared with 4,731 tons in the corresponding months of 1921. The figures for December, 1922, are not yet available.
The question of possible steps to protect the interests of Irish barley growers is one which, no doubt, will be investigated by the Agricultural Commission.