asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why he consented to the recent increase of 1d per 1b in the price of sugar.

Following a detailed examination by my Department of a proposal by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teo. to increase the price of sugar on the home market, I agreed to an increase of £8 per ton in the ex-factory price of sugar which would result in an increase of 1d per 1b at retail level. This increase in price was necessary mainly to compensate the company for an increase in 1967-68 in the growers' price for beet, and for an increase in the production of sugar from beet rather than from low-cost imported raws.

Is the Minister aware that there has been an increase due to the beetgrowers on their increased costs this year of 11/- a ton or £500,000? Is he making provision for that or does he want a row?

Ask the Minister for Agriculture that.

I suggest that he should ask Deputy Dowling that.

He was only told to put down the question, not to give the answer.

Who was told?