asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state for the years 1939, 1940, 1941 and to the latest date in 1942 for which information is available the quantities of sugar used for the (a) manufacture of sweets; (b) manufacture of jam; (c) making of domestic jam.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Production.
The only information which I have regarding the quantity of sugar used in manufacturing the commodities mentioned by the Deputy during 1939 is that relating to the manufacture of jam and allied products. During that year 5,951 tons of sugar were used in the manufacture of jam and allied products in factories.
From returns furnished to my Department it has been estimated that 8,867 tons of sugar were used in the manufacture of sweets and other sugar confectionery and 4,912 tons of sugar in the manufacture of jam and allied products during 1940, excluding sugar used in the making of domestic jam for which figures are not available.
I have no information regarding the quantity of sugar used in manufacturing sweets and jam during 1941. On the 1st August, 1941, sugar rationing was introduced, and from that date to the end of 1941 permits involving 764 tons of sugar were issued to enable householders to purchase sugar for the making of home-made jam.
Figures are not available to show the quantity of sugar used in the manufacture of sweets during 1942, but from the 1st January, 1942, up to and including the 30th November, 1942, 5,494 tons of sugar were used in the manufacture of jam and allied products. Permits involving 4,010 tons of sugar were issued this year up to the 7th December to enable householders to purchase sugar for the making of home-made jam.
Did I understand the Minister to say that figures are not yet available as to the quantity of sugar used for the manufacture of sweets? Does that mean that the figures have not yet been complied, or will they be available at any time?
It means that most of the manufacturers of sweets are also engaged in the manufacture of other products. Their ration is based on their consumption of sugar, pre-war. We do not necessarily determine the quantity of sugar that must go into one product as distinct from another.