asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any of the raw materials used by the Industrial Alcohol Company in producing alcohol have been imported into Éire during the financial year 1938-1939 to date; and, if so, if he will state what were the quantities and what was the country of origin of (1) potatoes, and (2) treacle; also what quantities of home-grown potatoes and treacle have been used in the same period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Alcohol.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In regard to the second part, the quantities of potatoes and molasses used, to the nearest ton, during the period 1st April, 1938, to 31st January, 1939, were 17,037 tons and 1,362 tons, respectively.
Am I to understand from the Minister that no materials were brought from County Down, and that no treacle was imported from abroad for use in these factories?
Yes.