asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Avoncore Flour Mills, Midleton, County Cork, have been closed down, and if in view of the policy of protective tariffs imposed to foster this industry, he will state what steps he will take to prevent the centralisation of this industry to the danger and detriment of rural flour mills, and which results in the unemployment of the workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Flour-Milling Industry.
I am aware that since the 1st January last the Avoncore Flour Mills at Midleton have been closed periodically, but I am informed that the short time was almost negligible and that the men were paid for practically the whole time during which the mills were closed. There is no protective tariff in the case of the importation of flour. The importation of flour is prohibited under the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) Acts save under licence issued by my Department. The measures taken to prevent the centralisation of the industry are embodied in the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) Act, 1933, under which each licensed mill is given a quota of wheat and the penalties for overmilling are set out in Section 9 of the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) Act, 1934. These measures are fully effective to prevent any development of the nature contemplated in the question, but whether any modification of them is desirable is one of the matters at present under examination relating to the whole flour-milling position.
Has it occurred to the Minister that his policy has resulted in raising the price of flour so high that many people are unable to buy flour at all——
That is a separate question.
With the results that flour has accumulated in the mills and they are obliged to close down because they can get no customers for the stuff they have.
Will the Deputy discuss that with Deputy Brasier and see if they can get a common policy?
There is a common policy — reduce the price and not be putting money into the millers' pockets which should be in the people's pockets.