asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the fact that the present world prices for sugar are much lower than the price of 8d. per lb. at present fixed for unrationed sugar, he will arrange to have the price for such sugar reduced with retrospective effect to that which obtained prior to 3rd October last, thereby avoiding increases in the prices of many Irish-manufactured commodities which contain large quantities of sugar, or, alternatively, at least to make the ½d. per lb. reduction which operated since 1st November retrospective to 3rd October.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Sugar.
Mr. Byrne
The price of unrationed sugar is determined not only in relation to the cost of imported sugar but also in relation to the price of 4d. per lb. retail for rationed sugar, which is much lower than the economic price. In view of both these considerations, it is not possible to effect a reduction at present in the current price of unrationed sugar or to make the reduction in price of ½d. per lb. which came into operation on 1st November retrospective to 3rd October.