asked the Minister for Supplies whether he has been able to secure supplies of maize and if so, whether normal supplies of maize meal will be available soon and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Maize.
Supplies of maize have been arriving in the country for the past couple of weeks in quantities sufficient to meet normal requirements for a limited period. Arrangements have been made for further cargoes to be delivered in the near future and, if transport difficulties can be overcome. reasonable supplies of maize will be available. The uncertainty with regard to the importation of maize from abroad necessitates a careful allocation of the cargoes arriving and steps are being taken to deal with this matter.
I fully appreciate that there are unavoidable difficulties in connection with this matter, Can the Minister give any indication of the percentage of supplies that he anticipates will be available in order that those distributing the commodity could impose some kind of approximate ration on their customers? If the Minister says that the approximate supply available will be 50 per cent. then distributors can limit their customers to approximately 50 per cent, of what they got last year.
It is not possible to do that. There is, apparently, ample maize available and the only difficulties are those associated with shipping. One can never be sure that a regular supply of maize can be procured. That will be done, if possible, but if it cannot, it will be due to causes outside our control.
I take it that finance is also a matter that may affect the supply?
There is no problem of finance affecting the supply of maize, not at the moment.