asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the total number of tons of sugar exported either as sugar chocolate crumb or other sweet products to Britain in 1959, (2) the total duty charged and the total levy paid to British customs in respect of such exports, (3) how the position in this regard compares with that relative to similar exports from Australia, South Africa, Jamaica and other countries to Britain, (4) whether these countries receive any special treatment which places them in a better position in regard to exports of sugar or sugar goods than this country, and (5) what steps he intends taking to ensure that this country's exports of sugar are placed in as favourable a position as the exports of these other countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Exports: Duties and Levies.
The information asked for in parts (1) and (2) of the Question is not available. As regards parts (3) and (4), Irish manufactured sugar and goods containing sugar receive the same treatment on entering Britain as similar goods manufactured in countries of the British Commonwealth; but I understand that similar goods from the British Colonies receive somewhat more favourable treatment. I do not contemplate taking any steps to seek an alteration of this position.
Is the Minister aware that the special treatment by way of minimum guaranteed prices puts us in the position of being worse off in this respect than the countries named here? Is he also aware that this country in the last 12 months imported about £2,000,000 worth of foreign cane sugar and that if we got equal treatment with the other countries we could supply the full requirements of the market here as well as being able to export sugar?
The British Government are under certain obligations to take all the sugar produced by their colonies. In order to ensure distribution at prices which the British manufacturers and consumers of sugar can pay they have established a levy system on these imports. If the sales conducted by the central body make a loss then the levy is chargeable; if the sales make a profit there is a repayment of the surplus to the importers; that has happened only once since the system was set up. As far as imports of sugar into this country are concerned, my information is that our sugar factories are working to full capacity in the production of sugar and the import of sugar is engaged in only when the Irish producers are not in a position to supply the beet.
Is the Minister aware that 34,000 tons——
Is the Deputy asking a question?
——on which a sum of £825,000——
Is Deputy Corry asking a question or giving information to the Minister?
With your permission, I shall raise the matter on the adjournment.
Is the Minister not aware that the sugar companies are refusing contracts at present to many farmers?
Because the factories cannot take the sugar beet. Sugar comes in at a limited period of the year and the factories are operating to capacity.
It is not that they are refusing the sugar; they are refusing contracts.
Would the Minister consider setting up an additional factory?