asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is prepared to prohibit the further importation of honey, in view of the large stocks which remained unsold by members of the Bee Keepers' Association during the year 1948.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Honey.
I am not prepared to prohibit the importation of honey, the bulk of which is required for industrial purposes. Furthermore, large stocks of 1948 honey did not remain unsold, as apart from an increased demand on the home market, section honey can be exported to Great Britain free of price control and rationing in that country, and all section and run honey of 1948 season available for sale to date was advertised for last February in the provincial newspapers when prices of 1/7 per lb. for section honey and 1/5 per lb. for run honey were offered.
Will the Minister say if 1949 stocks can be exported in the same way as last year?
Is the Minister aware that a considerable quantity of inferior honey is being imported for manufacturing purposes?
There may or may not be importation of honey, but the fact of the matter is that one of the largest wholesalers dealing in honey advertised for it in the provincial Press at the prices stated and bought up the honey offered.