asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Ireland is at present oversupplied with English-made ice cream wafers and cones to the detriment of the Irish manufacturers; and, if so, whether he will take such steps as are necessary to prevent further imports of these commodities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ice Cream Wafers and Cones.
I have no evidence of the over-supply of English-made ice cream wafers and cones on the Irish market referred to by the Deputy-These wafers and cones are liable on importation from England to Customs duties of 3d. per lb., if unsweetened, and 3½d. per lb. if sweetened, and I am not prepared to recommend any further protection than that which is afforded by the existing duty.
Is the Minister aware that there is a well-known cone and wafer manufacturer in Dublin whose workers are working only for three days a week, as a result of the market being flooded with foreign cones? That is my information.
I am also aware that the Deputy made similar representations to my predecessor on the same subject and was given the same reply as I have now given, no later than the 4th February last.
And the Minister now gives the same answer.
Will the Minister look into the question of the allocation of sugar to ice-cream cone manufacturers here, as unquestionably the importation of cones is mainly in the form of sweetened cones, with which the manufacturers here are not able fully to compete, because of restrictions in the supply of sugar?
That is so, and that point has been met. We have actually issued sugar to them for that purpose already.