The Minister might inform us on the Report Stage whether it is necessary to take any steps to prevent the importation of sugar-beet for manufacture in Saorstát Eireann.
DAIL RESUMES.
Bill reported with amendments.
I think it will not be necessary. Cheap transport is in fact one of the difficulties. I think it could not arise. In any case, the Revenue Commissioners will have sufficient power. Under Section 2 they may make regulations with a view to verifying claims to subsidies under this Act, for the manufacture of sugar and the warehousing and removal from the factory of sugar.
Supposing there was a factory established in Co. Louth and growers over the border desired to send in beet, under the title the factory would be precluded from obtaining a subsidy. The title is too tight.
It would only be debarred from receiving a subsidy in respect of the sugar manufactured from beet grown outside the Saorstát. Naturally there will have to be some sort of Excise supervision of the factory, as there would be over a distillery where we would be collecting duties, in order to secure that sugar is not imported secretly into the factory and a subsidy claimed on behalf of it. There will have to be careful supervision.
I am drawing my conclusions from the statement of the Minister that this is intended to be a subsidy to the factory, not to the growers of beet. If the growers happened to be over the border, the Minister's object would be achieved, even though agriculture in the twentysix counties was not being assisted.
Would I be in order in asking a question? It might obviate the necessity for putting down an amendment for the Report Stage. It is with regard to the Second Schedule, which states that the price paid is for beets properly topped and washed. Am I to understand that the washing will be done at the factory, or is the farmer expected to do the washing?
Certainly, he does it in every country.
Report Stage ordered for Tuesday, June 30th.