asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state whether he is aware that local authorities in the County Borough of Dublin are unable at the present time to obtain competitive tenders for the supply of bakers' flour as heretofore; and if he will state whether he has taken, or proposes to take, any steps to secure supplies of flour at competitive prices for local authorities in the County Borough of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour for Dublin Local Authorities.
Representations of the nature outlined in the first part of the question have been made to my Department. As the Deputy is aware the maximum price which may be charged ex mill for bakers' flour is fixed by order and I cannot compel traders to sell at prices below this maximum. I understand that the Dublin Associated Millers wrote to the Dublin Board of Assistance and stated that, under prevailing conditions, it would not be practicable for any member of the association to tender for the quantity of flour required by the board as such member could not know what wheat might be allotted to him or the price thereof. I understand further that the association stated they were prepared to supply the board with flour at the price ruling on the date of delivery and to allocate the order amongst the different members of the association.
Does the Minister say that the price is f.o.r. or ex mill?
F.o.r.
The answer a moment ago was quite the opposite.
That was for flour delivered in Dublin.
You cannot fix two prices of flour.
It is the same price.
No one will believe that the price ex mill is the same as f.o.r.
The maximum price is the maximum price ex mill or f.o.r. That is quoted in all cases.
Can I compel any miller to sell flour to me f.o.r. and not ex mill?
You can compel him to sell to you at the maximum price.