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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Jul 1959

Vol. 176 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Imports.

20.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is proposed to increase the imports of sugar in the coming year.

I understand from Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann Teo. that it is not possible at this stage to forecast the extent to which it may be necessary to import sugar in the coming year. This will, of course, depend on the amount of sugar produced from this year's crop and on the demand for sugar for home consumption and for the export trade.

When the Minister is granting import licences for the import of sugar would he bear in mind the fact that in my constitutency, Wexford, contracts were refused for beet last year and therefore the granting of licences for the import of sugar would be detrimental to the interests of the farmers in the tillage counties as a whole?

I do not agree that what the Deputy said would follow but, as the Deputy is aware, the import of sugar has to be related to the competitive requirements of the export trade.

Is the Minister not aware of the fact that, while farmers are quite capable of growing the amount of sugar required, they are precluded from doing so by the import of foreign sugar?

It is not as simple as that, as the Deputy can well appreciate.

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