asked the Minister for Finance if he will state who fixes the price of sugar beet, and whether the Government or his Department has the matter under review prior to the final decision; and if, in the event of the latter position, he will state whether in the fixing of the price of sugar beet at £4 per ton of 17½ per cent. sugar content for the coming season he has taken into account the increasing difficulties of production, the downward trend in yield and sugar content, the growing discontent with the policy of persisting on a 17½ per cent. sugar basis which cannot under present conditions be maintained and the satisfactory performance of farmers in providing food for the nation; and further, whether in order to ensure a continuance of the national effort he will have the decision reconsidered and secure the moderate adjustment requested by the Beet Growers' Organisation.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Sugar Beet.
As I have explained on previous occasions, I have no Parliamentary responsibility in regard to the price and other contract terms offered to growers of sugar beet. The terms applicable to sugar beet grown in 1945 were fixed and announced by the board of directors of Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann, Teo., who have responsibility for such matters. I was made aware by the company of the terms proposed to be offered, and I was also aware of the views of the Beet Growers' Association in relation to the percentage sugar content and other matters. Full consideration was given to all these matters before the company announced the terms for 1945. I am not prepared to suggest to the company that they should make any change in the terms already announced.
Can the company, Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann, Teo., make an independent decision regarding price without the consent of the Minister for Finance?
The board of the company could, I think, but I do not think they would make an announcement without consultation with the Minister for Finance, and, probably, with the Minister for Agriculture as well.
The board definitely fixes the price?
Yes.