asked the Minister for Finance if any changes have been made in the arrangements by the Irish Sugar Company concerning the distribution of surplus sugar beet pulp from this year's crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Surplus Beet Pulp.
13.
Arrangements for the distribution of surplus beet pulp come within the day to day commercial administration of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta and I have no function in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that in the distribution of beet pulp last year there was a vast difference in the price of the pulp sold to the factory and when it reached the merchant? When I raised this earlier I suggested to the Minister that he should do away with the distributors and sell direct to merchants and I should like to know if any action has been taken on that suggestion?
The Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter for the board of CSET and he might like to make his representations to that board.
Is the board not responsible to the Minister for Finance?
Not in relation to its day to day functions.
Would it not be the responsibility of the Minister where excess profit is made out of its operations?
This is not a matter that comes within the scope of the Department of Finance.
It is matter for the Minister for Industry and Commerce and he will do nothing either.
Seeing that there was a surplus of 48,000 tons of pulp sold last year and that there was a difference of more than £20 per ton in the price paid for at the factory and when it was sold by the merchant would that not be sufficient for the Department to investigate?
It would be the proper thing for the Deputy to make his representations direct to the board of CSET. I am sure the Minister for Industry and Commerce will also take note of what the Deputy has said.