asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can state (a) the amount in tons of sugar pulp exported from the Saorstát in the years 1934-35 and 1935-36; (b) the estimated amount available for the year 1937-38 for (1) home consumption and (2) export; and whether he is aware that merchants who have been regular customers since the opening of the Carlow factory years ago have had their orders reduced this year by 75 per cent.; and if he will state why exportation of pulp is permitted though the home orders for pulp are not being filled.
Written Answers. - Sugar Pulp.
The quantities of dried beet pulp exported in the 1934-35 and 1935-36 seasons were 8,297 tons and 8,474 tons, respectively. I am not aware of the estimated production for the current season, nor of the arrangements for its disposal between the home and export market. I understand, however, that hitherto it was not found possible to have the whole of the output of beet pulp absorbed on the home market, and it became necessary to make advance contracts abroad for the sale of the approximate quantities estimated to be surplus to requirements. This year the demands by merchants at home have proved to be in excess of the amounts estimated, necessitating a reduction in the filling of home orders in order to enable contracts made abroad to be filled.