asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the consumption of standard barrels of beer for the periods of May, June and July, 1952, and the amount for the same periods in 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beer Consumption.
Particulars of the consumption of beer are not available, but the net quantities upon which duty is paid may be taken as an approximate guide thereto. The net quantities in terms of standard barrels upon which duty was paid in the months mentioned by the Deputy were as follows:—
|
Month |
1951 |
1952 |
|
May |
73,434 |
41,993 |
|
June |
83,079 |
85,472 |
|
July |
80,062 |
76,756 |
Does the Minister not consider, as a result of the figures he has just given, that in as far as it is relevant to the raising of tax, the recent impositions on beer and stout were, to say the least of it, injudicious?
Not at all. Wait until the Deputy sees the results at the end of the year.
This could be what has the Minister in mourning to-day in the House.
Is the Minister for Finance aware that Messrs. Arthur Guinness issued a circular to farmers throughout the barley-growing areas, warning them that the brewery's requirements of malting barley next year will be from 30 to 40 per cent. less than in 1952?
That has nothing to do with the question, and the Deputy knows that.
Nothing to do with the brewing of beer?
It has nothing to do with this question.
It is small wonder we are the way we are. The poor Minister for Agriculture is on holiday, apparently.