asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that usually food rationing Orders made or varied by his Department become operative on Saturdays; whether he is aware that so far as such Orders restrict the amount of food which may be purchased by individual customers they are likely to penalise poor people who receive their wages on Saturdays and are unable to buy in anticipation of the Orders; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that in future such Orders become operative in mid-week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Rationing Orders.
The position is as stated in the first part of the Deputy's question. In regard to the second part of the question I would point out that the purpose of these Orders is to ensure equitable distribution of available supplies of the foodstuffs rationed, involving the prevention, so far as possible, of anticipatory buying by any section of the community. Though the initial day of operation is immaterial, the choice of Saturday was influenced by the consideration that a large section of the community usually makes weekly purchases on that day and I can see no reason to deviate from the present practice.