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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Feb 1941

Vol. 81 No. 14

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchases of White Flour.

asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that master bakers, who were in a position to buy up large quantities of white flour far in excess of their quotas, obtained such supplies from millers, and thus produced white bread while their less fortunate competitors produced the new brown loaf; further, if he is aware that there is a big reduction in the trade of such smaller bakers as a result of this unfair competition, and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the trading interests of such people.

I am aware that certain bakers have been placed at a disadvantage owing to the fact that they had no stocks of flour of less than 90 per cent. extraction. In order, however, to prevent any waste of such white flour as is held by bakers, it was considered necessary to give them a reasonable time in which to utilise that flour. An order was made yesterday under which persons carrying on the business of manufacturing bread for sale must use at least 80 per cent. flour of 90 per cent. extraction as from Saturday next. This order should obviate any likelihood of unfair competition in the bakery trade.

What will a baker do if he cannot get the 80 per cent. of flour of 90 per cent. extraction, because deliveries of bakers' flour at present are not unrestricted, and it may be that he is not able to get that quantity?

He should have no difficulty in getting it. I cannot imagine circumstances arising in which a baker would have difficulty in getting the flour.

I hate to introduce my personal affairs, but, for the Minister's information, I am not able to get it. Will the Minister get for one baker in this country the requisite proportion of 90 per cent. extraction flour? If he says "yes", that settles it.

If any person entitled to purchase flour has difficulty in obtaining it, I will certainly deal with the case.

I am not entitled. On a quota based on the September-October-November delivery, I have got all the flour that is coming to me, and I am not asking for any more. It is not, however, 90 per cent. extraction flour. What am I to do?

It will be possible, and I think arrangements have already been made, to effect an exchange.

Then, that is all right. Without expense to the baker for freightage—is that guaranteed?

I cannot remember the details of the arrangement but there is such an agreement in force.

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