asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the total cash value of exports of confectionery from this country to Great Britain during the year 1951; (2) if he is aware that a very considerable quantity of this commodity is being transhipped to continental countries from Great Britain, and (3) if he will take steps to encourage direct shipment to the continent so as to encourage increased exports by the elimination of middlemen's profits.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Confectionery Exports.
During the year 1951 the value of exports to Great Britain of sugar confectionery amounted to £177,656. It is not possible to give separate figures for flour confectionery but cakes, cake mixtures and puddings, to the value of £1,025,524, were exported to Great Britain in that year.
I am not aware that Irish confectionery is being transhipped to continental countries from Britain.
I shall continue, by means of the conclusion of trade agreements and other useful measures, to encourage increased exports direct to countries abroad.
If I submit proof to the Minister that this confectionery is being transhipped from Great Britain to continental countries, will he look into the matter?
I should think it is extremely unlikely. I do not see clearly yet what our interests are in the matter?
Since we are in a position to ship this commodity to Great Britain and having regard to the fact that it is transhipped from there, might I remind the Minister that a favourable opportunity now exists to send this commodity direct to continental markets which are available at the present time?
I would be interested in the proof, because I think it is so unlikely as to be almost impossible.
I will give the Minister the proof.