asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when it is proposed to restore the sugar ration reduced some months ago.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Ration.
The estimated total production of sugar from the 1946 beet crop will not be sufficient to provide a weekly ration of more than ½ lb. for each domestic consumer. Unless a substantial quantity of sugar can be imported it will not be possible to restore the ration to ¾ lb. Sugar has been bought abroad, but I am not in a position to state when it will reach this country.
Is the Minister aware that certain drastic reductions were made in the sugar ration arising out of the situation that developed in certain beet factories and that there was then at least an implication that, when these difficulties were solved, after a reasonable time had elapsed the ration would be restored to the original amount?
No. The delay in starting the campaign because of the strike has caused a permanent loss of sugar which cannot be recovered. The total estimated production for the present season is about 58,000 tons. On that basis, an increase in the sugar ration is not possible; nor will it become possible unless a substantial quantity of sugar is imported.
When does the Minister hope to restore the previous ration?
I could not undertake to forecast when we can arrange for the importation of sugar.
What quantity has been imported?
The sugar purchased is raw sugar which will require to be refined or used for industrial purposes.