asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that on February 12th, 1936, Messrs. Ranks (Ireland), Limited, posted one week's notice of their intention to close down the City Roller Mill at Roche's Street, Limerick, and to dispense with the services of the large staff of workers employed at the mill; whether the firm in question furnished to his Department any reason for closing this mill and dismissing their employees, and, if not, whether it is his intention to ask for their observations on the matter; whether the quota allowed to this firm was reduced recently, and, if so, for what reason, and, further, whether he is prepared to take steps to ensure that the workers concerned will not suffer loss of their employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Limerick Mill.
My Department was advised under date of the 12th instant that Ranks (Ireland), Limited, would find it necessary to close down one of their mills at Limerick for a week at least and possibly longer. The reason given for the temporary closing of this mill was that the Limerick mills were overstocked with flour. The quotas of wheat allotted to this firm have not been altered since they were first allocated.