asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state if there is a considerable reduction in the acreage under beet this year; and, if this is so, if he will indicate what steps will be necessary for the drastic rationing of the resultant short supply of sugar likely to be available, and when such rationing will be instituted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beet Sugar Acreage.
The acreage under beet this year is less than last year. The position regarding sugar supplies is kept constantly under review and, as the Deputy is aware, the household ration was reduced some time ago from 1 lb. per week to ¾ lb. per week. Any further change which may be required to conserve supplies will be made. I have already announced in the Dáil that it is intended to modify the existing scheme for the rationing of sugar so as to require that consumers will surrender coupons in exchange for the ration, and it is expected that this modification will be introduced at an early date.
Is it intended, under that modification, to reduce the actual quantity of sugar supplied to the individual consumers?
Not at present.
Is the Minister satisfied from the position that a very urgent necessity may not arise later on, and, No. 3. to prevent such necessity arising, might it not be desirable to have a moderate reduction at this stage so that, possibly, when the crop comes to hand, there will be no necessity for a drastic reduction?
Every aspect of the matter will be considered.
Well, I hope to goodness that it will not mean a reduction to two onces next year.