asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the very late commencement of sugar beet cultivation arrangements consequent on the grow-no-beet campaign this year, he will indicate the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department will participate to the greatest possible extent in a national beet growing promotional effort; and why steps have not so far been implemented by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beet Growing Promotional Campaign.
13.
I understand from Cómhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta that they have already received requests from growers for beet contracts appreciably in excess of the company's estimated requirements for this year and that they have, in fact, accepted contracts for a total area of over 82,000 acres, which at average yields would produce a record tonnage of sugar. In these circumstances a promotional campaign by my Department is not necessary.
A Galway byelection was all that was needed.
Whatever got the result, the result is there.
Does that mean that many people will not get contracts?
It does mean that quite a number of people have to be disappointed because of the capacity of the factories.
Will that be to the disadvantage of the smaller grower?
I cannot reply to the Deputy on that supplementary because I do not know what order of priority will be used.
Would it not be reasonable to give the advantage to the smaller growers?
Yes, but I think they have to look at the people who grew beet in previous years as well.