I move:
That Seanad Eireann hereby approves of Sugar (Prohibition of Import) Order, 1960.
Sugar (Prohibition of Import) Order, 1960: Motion of Approval.
The effect of the order is to continue for a further period of 12 months from 1st January, 1961, the prohibition on the import of sugar by persons other than Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta. The prohibition on import is designed to reserve the Irish sugar market for sugar produced from home-grown beet in accordance with the policy of providing the country's requirements from home sources. This order, which is made under the provisions of the Sugar (Control of Import) Act, 1936, is in the same terms as have been approved each year for the past 25 years.
In a sense, the putting of this motion before the House is a mere formality and we usually take it as such. There are a couple of points, however, which should be made. I should like to preface my remarks by saying that this Company is one of which we are all proud, both for its record in regard to the production of sugar and also for the initiative shown by its manager in relation to new projects which are now under very active consideration and promotion. I should just like to say that although this is the motion which restricts the import of sugar to the Company, I would express the hope that it does not give the power to the Sugar Company to make decisions on political grounds.
I regret very much the hasty statement which was made on behalf of the Sugar Company that they would not buy sugar cheap from Cuba because Fidel Castro was giving offence to "our American friends". Whatever may be the opinion of the House and the Government on that issue, I feel it is not an issue, or a reason, on which the Sugar Company should either make a statement or base their policy. I should therefore like an assurance from the Minister that this motion will not be taken as granting the Sugar Company the right to make political decisions in relation to any country which threatens to sell us sugar cheap.
I can assure the Seanad that this motion has no such effect as the Senator fears. Its purpose is exactly as I have said, to limit the import of sugar to the Sugar Company and to conserve the home market for home produced sugar. I do not think I need comment on the functions of the Sugar Company itself or of its general manager. The Company has a degree of autonomy in the conduct of its affairs by authority of the Houses of the Oireachtas and it is not the intention or the desire that it should in any way engage in political pronouncements.
Question put and agreed to.