asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state whether, and, if so, when it is proposed to introduce a scheme for the rationing of bread, and if he will state on what basis it is proposed to ration the bread.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rationing of Bread.
The elaborate administrative machinery necessary to ration both bread and flour cannot be put into operation until ration books have been issued to the public. It is expected that the issue of such books will commence next week, but it will take some time to complete. With regard to the last part of the question, the basis upon which bread may be rationed will depend upon the circumstances arising from time to time.
May we take it that a definite rationing scheme for bread will be introduced?
That will depend upon the circumstances arising from time to time.
Does not the Minister know that poor people are finding it extremely difficult to procure supplies of bread, that the only way that that situation can be dealt with is by a formal scheme of rationing and will the Minister indicate when he intends to introduce a rationing scheme which will ensure that poor people will be able to get the bread they are not able to obtain to-day? Surely this is a very vital matter.
I have answered that question. The Deputy insists on asking again a question already answered.
The Minister gives an evasive and equivocal reply which indicates that the question of rationing will depend on circumstances from time to time. Does not the Minister know that poor people are experiencing considerable difficulty in obtaining bread? In face of that, will he not now indicate, so as to provide some consolation for these people, that he intends to introduce a rationing scheme which will, at least, ensure that they will get bread?