asked the Minister for Supplies what arrangements he proposes to make to supply sugar to those persons who desire to preserve their own fruit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar for Fruit Preserving.
Measures have been taken, in consultation with Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta, to provide sugar to meet the reasonable requirements of persons who wish to preserve their own fruit. Those who are unable to obtain the sugar needed from their usual suppliers should communicate with Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta.
Would the Minister be good enough to state the correct procedure for persons desiring to purchase sugar for the purpose of preserving fruit? Should they go to the grocer and say it is required for that purpose or should they get some kind of paper from the Department of Supplies?
No. As I have informed the Deputy in the reply I read, persons who are unable to get sugar for that purpose from their own trader should communicate with Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, who, after they are satisfied with the bona fides of the case, will make arrangements to ensure a supply.
In the case of a grocer who is approached by a person representing herself to be one who desires to preserve fruit, if he issues to her, say, two stone of sugar, can he get from Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann a proportionate amount, added to the monthly quota to which he is entitled for ordinary retail trade?
That will have to depend upon the circumstances of the case. The trader may have received his full normal monthly supply already.
Suppose he appropriates part of that full normal monthly supply to a customer who desires to buy sugar for preserving fruit, can he apply to Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann for an extra amount of sugar?
No. If the trader is unable to provide the sugar without leaving his ordinary customers short, the person who desires the sugar should apply to the sugar company to have the necessary arrangements made for a supply.
So, without pressing the Minister unduly, it would be correct to say to grocers that, if a customer comes seeking an unusual quantity for preserving fruit, he should tell her to apply to Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann and that they will arrange to have a supply issued through him or by some other convenient method.