Processed food imports
Processed food imports totalled £93.3 million in January–March 1983, excluding some categories such as beverages, molasses, and certain oils and fats. The Minister said this was £7 million below the same period in 1982, although full-year imports rose from £344.2 million in 1981 to £368.1 million in 1982.
asked the Taoiseach the value of processed foods including beef and other meat products imported since 1 January 1983.
Comment on this
Dún Laoghaire): Imports of processed foods, including beef, and other meat products amounted to £93.3 million for the period January-March 1983, the latest for which information is available.
Comment on this
Can the Minister of State tell me whether that includes dairy products and fish imports?
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): Processed foods have been taken not to include animal feed beverages, molasses and certain animal and vegetable oils and fats, some of which may be edible.
Comment on this
May I ask what action the Government have taken to deal with this appalling situation——
Comment on this
This is a statistical question which does not afford an opportunity for dealing with policy.
Comment on this
The Deputy will have to address that part of his question to some other Minister at some other time.
Comment on this
Does the Minister of State have figures to show the trends in so far as these imports are concerned?
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): Yes, imports of processed foods decreased by £7 million from £100.3 million in January to March 1982 to £93.3 million in January to March 1983. That is a decrease of £7 million since we came into Government. For the year 1982 as a whole, imports of processed foods were £368.1 million, an increase of £23.9 million compared with £344.2 million for 1981.