asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, Teoranta, have imported, or propose to import sugar this year as was done by them last year; or whether they propose to secure all their requirements from home-grown beet.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Requirements.
8.
It is the normal practice of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teó. to supplement home production by importing raw sugar for refining here. The Company have imported some raw sugar this year and will be importing further quantities to meet the balance of their requirements up to the time when the produce of the 1959 beet crop becomes available.
Could the Minister indicate why contracts for the growing of beet have been cut in Co. Wexford? Would it not be better to produce all that sugar at home rather than import it?
The aim of the company is to secure sufficient acreage under beet in this country to enable them to meet the whole of the home market requirements. In the case of sugar produced for export the imports of raw sugar are the only basis on which the trade could be conducted because of price.
Are we not able to produce that type of sugar at home?
I think that the acreage contracted for last year would have been sufficient if it had been a normal year. It should be sufficient this year to meet home requirements.
Is the Minister aware that the contracts are considerably cut for this year?
I am not aware of it.
In view of the fact that the Minister has stated that they are going to purchase sugar, will that sugar be purchased from Iron Curtain countries?
That is a separate question. It is a question of which the Deputy should give notice.
You bought it last year from the "Commies".