asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his reaction to the apparent discrepancy in sugar content between the Teagasc laboratory, Thurles, County Tipperary and the tare house in each of the sugar companies.

The determination of the sugar content in beet is a matter for Siúicre Éireann. I am advised that the analysis is carried out in accordance with procedures agreed between the company and the beet and vegetable section of the Irish Farmers' Association.

58.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the benefit which would accrue to producers if there was a proven 1 per cent discrepancy in sugar content testing.

The basic EC price for beet with 16 per cent sugar content payable by Siúicre Éireann is £35.30 per tonne. For each 1 per cent variance above or below a sugar content of 16 per cent there is an adjustment in payment to the producer of £3.18 per tonne.