asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of salt and what steps he proposes to take to make adequate supplies available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salt Shortage.
I am not aware that there is an acute shortage of salt. Imports of this commodity from the 1st January, 1939, to the 15th October, 1939, have been equal to the average of the imports during the corresponding period in preceding years and supplies in normal quantities should be available for all purposes.
Is the Minister aware that in large areas of the Counties Roscommon and Mayo no salt has been available at all for days on end and that for the last three weeks supplies of bar salt have reached about one-third of the normal requirements of the people?
I am not so aware. I am aware that since the 1st September imports of salt amounted to 123,000 cwts., which represents considerably more than one-sixth of our normal annual requirements.
Is the Minister aware that imports of salt to Dublin do not necessarily spell supplies of salt in the County Mayo?
I am not so aware.
God knows it is time he was, and will he take steps to see that when the salt reaches Dublin it is then distributed before he issues a licence to increase the price of salt by 1/- or 2/- a bar?