asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the smallholders of Beara have been refused beet contracts on the grounds that the freight to Mallow was considered excessive, while holders in the Dingle peninsula, farther removed from the factory, have been granted contracts; and whether in face of this discrimination he will see that the whole question of freight charges will be considered with a view to the grant of a subsidy towards the cost of freightage in such cases, seeing that the cost of sugar production is a general charge on every consumer in every part of the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beet Contracts.
Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann grants substantial subsidies — particulars of which have been publicly announced—in relief of freight charges on beet supplied on contract to the sugar factories. In placing contracts for beet the company, as a commercial undertaking, is naturally concerned to secure the required quantity on the most economic basis, and must have regard inter alia, to the freight charges involved. It will be obvious that the company's policy in this respect is of benefit to the consumers of sugar generally, to whom the Deputy refers in the latter part of his question. With regard to the particular case mentioned by the Deputy, it is not my function to intervene in matters of this kind which are within the discretion of the board of the company, but from inquiries I have made I am satisfied that the suggestion of discrimination in the Deputy's question is unfounded.