asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the quantity and value of artificial honey imported into Éire in 1938; and if he will state what steps are taken by his Department to ensure that imported artificial honey is not sold as honey in Éire.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Honey.
The Official Import List does not provide a separate description for artificial as distinct from natural honey. The records of the imports under the Official Import List description No. 62—"honey, including artificial honey"—in the year 1938 do not show any described as artificial honey. As regards the second part of the question, I think the matter is one which concerns the Minister for Local Government and Public Health.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that a substantial quantity of Irish-made honey is on hands with Irish beekeepers' associations; and whether he will take steps to restrict the importation of further supplies of foreign honey or artificial honey until the present supplies from Irish sources are exhausted.
I am aware that supplies of this season's Irish honey are now coming on the market. There is a prohibitive duty of 1/- per lb. on imports of honey, and in general I do not intend to authorise the issue of licences permitting honey to be imported duty free or at a reduced rate of duty until my Department is satisfied that ample opportunity has been afforded to Irish beekeepers to dispose of this season's production.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that there is a substantial quantity of honey coming into the Irish market, while the Irish beekeepers complain that they cannot dispose of the surplus on their hands?
I think the answer is satisfactory. The Minister for Agriculture is going to prohibit the import of honey except under a duty of 1/- per lb.
I am satisfied now.