asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state (1) to what extent the bread supplies have been restricted; (2) when, under what authority, and in what way have these restrictions been imposed; (3) what instructions were issued to (a) bakers and (b) retailers in the City of Dublin regarding the restriction of the supply and distribution of bread from Monday, 23rd February; (4) whether any steps were taken to secure that under the restrictions imposed as from 23rd February, the available supply of bread would be equitably distributed and that the poorer sections of the community would be adequately guaranteed their supplies; (5) the nature of such steps, and the date upon which they were taken; (6) what supervision, if any, was exercised to see that an equitable distribution was being made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Bread.
asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that, so far as the retail sale of bread is concerned, a form of unofficial rationing by the retailers and distributors has been resorted to in order to spread out the supply of bread which they have available; whether he is aware that this system has inflicted serious hardship on the poor who are obliged to take their bread supply in daily rations and who are now unable to get half their requirements; whether he is further aware that because of fuel shortage it is not practicable for large sections of poor people to substitute for bread any kind of food which requires cooking, and whether in these circumstances he is prepared to announce at once the steps which will be taken by the Government (a) to secure for the poor a reasonable share commensurate with their needs of the bread available, and (b) to enable local authorities by means of a community cooking service to provide at least one hot meal per day for those who may need it.
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Supplies if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties of bread distributors in the city, and if in order to secure a fair distribution of the available supplies he will give instructions for an early issue of rationing cards.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state whether he is aware that in the City of Dublin very many people of all classes have been unable to get any bread and a considerable number have been able to get only less than 50 per cent. of their normal requirements since Monday, the 23rd February, and that much hardship and suffering has been caused as a result, particularly among the poorer classes in the city, and if he will take immediate steps to secure an equitable distribution of the bread supplies available.
asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that many families have had a practice of making their own bread at home from standard flour, and have, therefore, not been in the habit of buying bread, and if he will state whether steps will be taken to secure the continued supply of flour to such persons for the purpose of bread-making.
I propose to make a general statement on the flour and bread position in the course of the debate on the motion for the adjournment, which will deal with the various points raised in Questions Nos. 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
Does the Minister not appreciate that it would help the House considerably if Ministers had the answers to the specific questions that were put down? An answer to Question 13 would help those who are interested in this matter.
I am assuming that Deputies would prefer to hear a general statement on the whole position, which would deal not merely with specific points, but would give a good picture of it as a whole. It would be preferable from the point of view of Deputies, and it certainly would be preferable on general grounds. Anything to be said could be said then.
Is there any reason why the Minister could not make a statement at the conclusion of questions?
I understand there is a motion down for the adjournment of the House to discuss it.
That is only a motion, and it is an irregular motion on the subject.
But it gives an opportunity to make a general statement, and, I presume, that is what Deputies want.
The position is that a statement of the type which the Minister might make would not give time to Deputies.
Within the time permitted it will be available.
This is a most unusual way of dealing with it. There is nothing to prevent the Minister making a statement this evening and occupying as much time as is available. If we want to debate the Minister's statement we will be crowded out for time.
The Adjournment could be taken early.
Would the Minister consider agreeing to a request from the House to take this subject immediately after questions?
No, circumstances in relation to public business will not permit that.
This is the most urgent matter on the Order Paper.
Whether it is urgent or not an opportunity will be given to the House to discuss it to-day.
Mr. Byrne
I urge the Minister to give time immediately after questions.
That will arise immediately after questions.
Mr. Byrne
I may be the one who will be crushed out as I have often been crushed out before. I might get a reply to my question as very often I have been crushed out on Adjournment motions. I gave due notice of a question about rationing.