asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the great hardship imposed on the people of the Freemount, Milford, Tullylease and Dromina districts by the closing of the Coolbane Mills, he will have the Order closing these mills immediately revoked and allow the mill to reopen forthwith for the making of flour for the people.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closed Cork Mill.
I am aware that hardship has been occasioned to people resident in the areas mentioned in the question from the closing of Mr. Denis O'Shaughnessy's mill, known as Coolbane Mills, Freemount, Charleville, County Cork. Such hardship is, however, due primarily to the fact that the proprietor of the mills failed to comply with the wheat-milling regulations, which are made in the general public interest, and to conserve supplies of wheat required for human consumption. I have received representations from the parish council concerning this case and they are having consideration. As it is my primary duty to conserve wheat supplies, my decision on these representations must be based on the likelihood that, should the mills be allowed to reopen, further irregularities will not occur.