SUGAR DISTRIBUTION (IRELAND). (Hansard, 22 March 1917)

§ 63. Mr. O'DOWD
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused by the method of distributing sugar in Ireland at present, he will consider the advisability of opening a sugar depot in each province in that country so that small traders and poor people generally may be assured of a sure and ready-supply of this article, no matter how small?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD CONTROL (Captain Bathurst)
The Food Controller has been in consultation with the Chief Secretary for Ireland as to the desirability of establishing some local organisation to assist sugar distribution in Ireland. He is not, however, at present satisfied that the suggestion of the hon. Member affords the best solution of the problem.

§ Mr. FLAVIN
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the soil of Ireland is more suitable for the growing of beet, and will he make representations to the Food Controller or the Government for the establishment of two or three beet factories in Ireland in order to produce sugar?

Captain BATHURST
Yes, Sir. I fully recognise not only the desirability of beet cultivation, but also the fact that Ireland is specially suited to its cultivation, but whether anything can be done during the War is quite another matter.

§ Mr. JOYCE
What is the Food Controller going to do unless he accepts what is suggested in the question?

Captain BATHURST
As regards sugar, the supplies of sugar to Ireland are on a generous scale compared with the rest of the United Kingdom. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] The distribution of sugar in Ireland is being steadily improved every week, and every effort is being made to improve it.

§ Mr. O'DOWD
Is it not a fact that in regard to sugar distribution a general state of disorganisation prevails in Ireland, and is it not absolutely necessary to open provincial depots in order that the traders may be supplied?

Captain BATHURST
Every well-founded case of unequal distribution on a serious scale in Ireland is being thoroughly investigated, and every effort is being made to prevent it.