asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will authorise Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta, or individual importers to import refined sugar in cases where supplies and shipping can be arranged.

Owing to the world shortage, and in view of the fact that sugar was being sent from this country to relieve distress in other European countries, it was decided not to seek supplies of sugar from abroad during the present year. The policy to be followed in this regard during the coming year will be decided in the light of the sugar position here and abroad, and is at present under consideration.

In the event of supplies of sugar—6,000 tons to wit, being offered for shipment—in case the Taoiseach is uneasy, 6,000 French tons, to wit——

Of American Government property.

Surplus sugar.

Of American Government property was in the letter.

I will read it out for you.

The Deputy will not read out letters at Question Time.

I am between the devil and the deep sea. He wants me to read it out and the Chair will not let me.

The Chair will not.

Why is he let read out bits and slips?

The Taoiseach should be referred to as the Taoiseach the same as any other Minister is referred to as Minister.

In the event of 6,000 tons of American surplus sugar being offered, ex Nantes, which is in France, to which we sent 1,000 tons of sugar, would the Minister in those circumstances allow us to import sugar?

If he could induce the Minister for Agriculture to pay £1 a ton more for washed beet he would get all the sugar he wants.

He can get it from Nantes now.

I do not think I can answer for the Minister Deputy Dillon's maze of hypotheses.

It is not hypothesis. May I ask will you allow me to import this sugar? The Minister's reply was that inasmuch as there was a scarcity of sugar he would not go to the world market to strip those to whom we had to send sugar. If the very countries to which we are sending sugar are prepared to ship 6,000 tons back here, will the Minister send our sugar down to the North Wall and let us buy it there and not bother to ferry it across to France and back again?