asked the Minister for Supplies if he will be in a position to grant a supplementary allowance of petrol for the forthcoming three months to lorry owners engaged in the haulage of sand for manurial purposes from the various strands along the South and West Cork coasts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lorry Owners' Petrol Supplies.
Owing to the serious deterioration in petrol supplies, I am not in a position to state what allowance of petrol will be available for distribution for any particular purpose during the forthcoming three months. I am unable, therefore, to promise any increase during that period in the case of lorry owners engaged in the haulage of sand for manurial purposes from the various strands along the South and West Cork coasts, but should the supply position permit I am prepared to consider applications for allowances of petrol for this or other agricultural purposes.
The Minister is aware that the haulage of beet will be completed in a very short time. The haulage of sand is a very important matter for the whole area of West Cork, from the point of view of food production, and if there is any possibility of an extra supply being granted for this purpose it will be greatly appreciated. I hope the Minister will keep the matter in mind.