asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the serious threat to the Irish flour milling industry as a result of the dumping of imported flour in this country, the action he proposes to take thereon to protect Irish jobs and if he will make a statement on the entire situation.
Written Answers. - Flour Imports.
295.
I am, of course, aware that flour imports from the UK have been causing difficulties for the flourmilling industry here. Apart from the fact that EC rules prohibit the imposition of restrictions on imports from other member states, such a course would not be in our interest, as a major exporter of agricultural products.
My Department has brought the difficulties caused by the flour imports to the notice of the EC Commission and the UK authorities but again, because of EC rules, the action open to those authorities is limited. Essentially what is required is that Irish bakers and other flour users should be aware of the consequences for the economy and for employment generally, arising from the use of imported flour. I have stressed this aspect in the course of my dealings with all interested parties. The flour milling industry has recently launched a campaign to encourage the use of Irish made flour by bakers and this campaign deserves the fullest possible support.