asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that serious complaints have been made by and on behalf of beet-growers in Wicklow and other counties, who have to send their beet long distances to Carlow factory, owing to high freight charges, and if he will have the reasonableness of these charges investigated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Freight Charges for Beet.
The same scales of freight charges are applied by the public transport services for the conveyance of beet to the Carlow factory as to the other beet factories. These scales have been investigated in my Department from time to time and I am satisfied that they are reasonable, having regard to all the circumstances of the traffic.
Is the Minister aware that suppliers of sugar beet to the Carlow factory do not receive the same subsidy as suppliers to the other three factories? In Tuam all freight charges over 5/- are paid by the company; in Mallow and Thurles all freight charges over 8/- are paid by the company. The same subsidy does not apply in the case of the Carlow factory, and growers who reside a long distance from the factory are penalised.
That would seem to be a separate question altogether.
Does it not mean that there is a very grave hardship inflicted on growers in Wicklow and counties a long distance from the Carlow factory?
The determination as to the freight subsidy is a matter entirely for the Irish Sugar Company.
Can the Minister explain why there is discrimination between growers in Carlow area and growers in other areas?
I think the Deputy must address his question to the managers of the company.