asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing among South Wexford beet growers due to the rescinding of beet contracts by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, Teo., in that area; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beet Contracts.
Mr. Walsh
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question addressed to me on this subject on the 11th February, 1954, to which I have nothing to add.
Would the Minister refresh my mind as to what that reply was?
Mr. Walsh
"The arranging of contracts for the growing of sugar beet is a matter for Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann and I am not prepared to intervene."
Has the Minister no function in the matter?
Mr. Walsh
None whatsoever. It is a matter between the Irish Beet Growers' Association and Comhlucht. Siúicre Éireann.
Has the Minister no jurisdiction?
Mr. Walsh
None whatsoever.
How does the Minister reconcile the action of the sugar company with the "Grow More Beet" campaign?
Is the Minister anxious to get more beet grown?
Mr. Walsh
Yes, more of everything.
"One more cow, one more sow, one more acre under the plough."
Is Deputy Corish asking a question?
Yes, if I can. Is the Minister empowered to enter into discussion with Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann on that question because although he says he wants to get more beet grown it appears that farmers in portions of County Wexford are to be prevented from growing as much beet as they are prepared to grow?
Mr. Walsh
The Sugar Company wants as much beet grown as possible and I take it they have made arrangements with the farmers.
Does the Minister approve of the manner in which they are rationing beet growing?
Mr. Walsh
There is no rationing.
Oh, there is.
Is the Minister aware that farmers in County Louth who applied for larger acreages of beet were informed by the Sugar Company that they will only get contracts amounting to the average of acreage grown by them in the previous two years?
Mr. Walsh
I do know that from 1927 an allocation was made to Louth and the allocation in the earlier years was, I think, 500 acres.
It is rationed this year.
It has not gone up the spout.
No, but Fianna Fáil has gone up the spout.
Time will tell that.
The Minister states that he has no function in relation to the Sugar Company. Is it not a fact that the Government owns one-third of its shares and appoints the managing director of the Sugar Company and surely they have some jurisdiction over it?
Mr. Walsh
I have already stated I have no function in connection with the issuing of contracts.
Has any member of the Government any function? Has the Minister for Finance any function?
Mr. Walsh
Address a question to the Minister for Finance.
And find out the answer from him. What about joint Cabinet responsibility?
(Interruptions.)
Order! Question No. 77.