asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fact that farmers who through the confusion between Irish acres and English acres have planted a larger acreage of beet than their contracts specified are now threatened that the excess grown will be left on their hands, he can take any steps to have such surplus of beet disposed of to the benefit of such farmers.
Céisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Beet Surplus.
Dr. Ryan
There is no good reason why any confusion regarding the precise area of beet contracted for should have arisen. I do not propose to take any action, as all matters arising out of contracts made between Comhlucht Siuicre Eireann, Teo., and sugar beet growers are for the Company to deal with.
Is the Minister aware that many people in his own county have grown more beet than they were supposed to grow? What is to become of the surplus which these people have on hands? Is it to be fed to the dead calves?
Dr. Ryan
If these people did not stand by their own contracts it is their own fault.
Is the Minister in a position to state whether the allocations made were in statute acres or in Irish acres?
Dr. Ryan
They were made in statute acres.
Is the Minister in a position to say that that is so?
Dr. Ryan
Yes.