asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware from repeated representations made to him, that there are many small dealers in West Cork who have more tea customers registered with them than their ordinary monthly supplies will cover; if he is aware that the wholesale suppliers of such small dealers are prepared to supply these dealers with the little extra amount necessary to cover their requirements; and if he will state if he is prepared to sanction the granting of such extra supplies where the amount involved does not exceed 10 lbs. in any one month.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Supplies in West Cork.
I have received applications for permission to obtain increased tea supplies from a number of licensed tea retailers in West Cork. Each of these applications has been, or is being, considered, and where it is established that the existing supply is inadequate to meet the legitimate requirements of the trader concerned arrangements are made to enable increased quantities of tea to be delivered. Every effort is being made to expedite clearance in cases still outstanding. I am not prepared to agree to the suggestion that increased supplies should be automatically authorised where the amount involved does not exceed 10 lbs. in any one month.
To save the trouble of considering each case on the merits would the Minister consider the advisability of reallocating the whole available supply of tea and having it distributed on the basis of the number of customers registered, rather than on the amount of tea bought by a retailer during a particular year.
That course is not practicable.
It would save the Minister the trouble of considering the particular circumstances in each case.