asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is fully informed of rumoured recent developments in the Flour Milling Industry, and whether he is now prepared to make a statement on the situation in view of the important national interests involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Saorstát Flour Milling Industry.
I am acquainted with the proposals for a re-organisation of the industry which are under consideration by the Irish Flour Mills. Pending a general agreement in favour of the adoption of these proposals, which according to my information has not been reached, I do not consider that I could appropriately make any statement, but it should be clearly understood that no agreement arrived at privately within the industry can in any way diminish either the right or the duty of the Government to propose such measures for the safeguarding of the public interest as future developments might warrant.
Arising out of the answer, will the Minister give an assurance that he will make a statement on this matter at the earliest moment when he thinks in the public interest a statement seems to him to be necessary?
Yes.
In the interval, will the Minister consider the advisability of setting up a tribunal to investigate the matter, and giving it power to take evidence on oath, such as was given to the Food Prices Tribunal?
That is a question which may arise at a later date. At the moment I am in touch with flour milling industrialists and am, I believe, getting full information from them. If anything should happen that would lead me to believe that full information is not being given, and that it is necessary to get information on oath, I would then consider the Deputy's suggestion.