asked the Minister for Supplies whether, owing to the increased public demand for sugar, particularly from August 28th to September 2nd last, retailers had sold more than normal supplies of sugar in the early part of September; that it is impossible for retailers to ration sugar efficiently, and that the situation and the fear of shortage could have been eased by the removal of the limiting of the supply of sugar to wholesale traders; and further to ask the Minister whether he will take steps to have supplies from store made available to traders for sale to the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Supplies.
I am aware that the present difficulty of consumers in obtaining their requirements of sugar is due to increased demands during the early stages of the present emergency. It was accordingly considered prudent to restrict supplies of sugar to reasonable requirements and I do not agree that under existing conditions it would be advisable to remove these restrictions.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will the Minister cause an inquiry to be made into the position of small shopkeepers in rural Ireland who depend for their supplies, not upon the registered wholesalers but upon the intermediate wholesalers who stand between the registered wholesalers and the small retail distributor in rural Ireland?
That inquiry has been made.
And in the event of such small retail distributors being unable to get normal supplies, may they apply to the Minister with the assurance that such supplies, for normal trade, will be made available?
I would be glad to get particulars of any case of a person who cannot get a normal trade supply of sugar.