asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether as a measure of national defence the Government proposes to import and store two years' supply of wheat; and, if so, whether they will take steps in this matter at once while prices are favourable for such a purchase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation and Storing of Wheat.
It is not the intention of the Government to purchase and store reserve supplies of wheat. Arrangements have, however, been made with the Irish Flour Millers' Association as a result of which considerable quantities of wheat over and above those normally required by the industry will be held within this country. Substantial progress has already been made in the accumulation of this reserve.
In arriving at that figure, has due allowance been made for the fact that the wheat scheme has collapsed, as any intelligent man knew it would collapse?
I am not aware that the wheat scheme has collapsed and every intelligent person knows it has not.
Might I ask if, in connection with this, the Minister has come to an agreement with the millers to charge an extra price for flour so that they may pay themselves for holding this wheat?
The cost of building up a reserve of wheat must be met by somebody. An arrangement has been made under which the cost is being met by a slight increase in the price of flour per sack.
Will the Minister say what that increase is?
One shilling per sack.
Is the Minister aware that the millers are at present extracting from the consumers of this country £2,750,000 per annum over and above the normal price for flour?
No.
That is a separate question
It is surely not a separate question when they are putting 1/- on?
In the opinion of the Chair, it is a separate question.