asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the scarcity of baby foods; if he is making any arrangements for substitutes for the baby foods formerly imported from America and Great Britain, and if, pending the finding of suitable substitutes, Government advice will be made available in the matter through newspaper advertisement and the radio to hospitals and maternity homes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Baby Foods.
Mr. Byrne
I am aware that there are restrictions on the export of baby foods from Great Britain. I am not aware that there is any general scarcity of essential baby foods in this country at present. Importers of baby foods have been encouraged to purchase supplies in the United States with a view to shipment to this country. Certain baby foods are produced in this country, and the possibility of increasing home production to offset the reduction in supplies from Great Britain is under active consideration. The supply position at present is not such that it is considered necessary to make the public announcements suggested.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Minister say when will the result of the "active consideration," to which he has referred, be announced?
I could not answer that question.
Mr. Byrne
At an early date?