asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the price fixed for beet for the ensuing year, taking into account the increased price of pulp, represents a net increase of 8/9 per ton of beet over the price fixed for last year; that the ¾d. per lb. placed on sugar over and above the tax imposed by the Supplementary Budget represents in terms of beet approximately £1 per ton, and if he will state if the increased burden thus placed on the consumer has been apportioned between the grower and manufacturer equitably.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beet Prices.
As regards the first part of the question, the Deputy's figures are substantially correct. As regards the other parts of the question, I would refer the Deputy to the very full statement made by the Minister for Supplies during the debate on the Supplementary Budget of the reason for the increase in the wholesale price of sugar over the duties imposed by the relevant Financial Resolution. It is apparent from that statement that no question of apportionment of the increase referred to by the Deputy arises in the circumstances.