Vol. 97 No. 18
I move:—
That Dáil Éireann hereby approves of the Sugar (Prohibition of Import) Order, 1945.
This is a formal motion introduced annually to secure approval of an Order made under the Sugar (Control of Imports) Act. The purpose of the Order made in previous years was to confine the importation of sugar to the Irish Sugar Company. The Order made this year has the same effect but, in fact, it is not anticipated that any sugar will be imported.
Does this Order relate to raw sugar?
To all kinds of sugar.
The simple purpose of the Order is to confine the imports of this commodity to the sugar company and it is not be implied that, if there is a shortage which could be filled by importing raw sugar, the sugar company will not be allowed to import it.
No.
Did the Minister say that he does not expect that any raw sugar or fine sugar will be imported during the current year?
It is extremely unlikely.
Is the sugar company taking any steps to import sugar?
It is improbable that the sugar company will succeed in obtaining sugar for importation.
In fact, there is an acute world shortage at the moment.
Yes.
May we not expect that, with the liberation of the Philippines, the sugar shortage will be materially relieved inasmuch as the Western States of America will be taken off the Cuban supply?
That is a matter on which I should not like to express an opinion.
