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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farmers' Wheat Ration.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce, in view of the fact that most farmers have had to overdraw on their ration of one barrel of wheat per head of their households for threshings and normal bread requirements, and that it will be exhausted before the next harvest comes in, if he will relax that rationing and allow farmers to have extra wheat now in the mills ground for their household use, as otherwise they will have to go to the shops for bread and meal.

Since I replied to a similar question from the Deputy on the 14th October last, I have considered the question of increasing the quantity of wheat which may be milled for a grower during the year. I have had very few representations that the allowance is inadequate, or that the purchase of flour and bread to supplement the allowance, in exceptional cases, imposes any undue hardship.

I am sure the Minister is aware that in the County Wexford it is customary for farmers to take on occasional workers and those people have to be supported. Is there no provision made for them?

Every farmer is entitled to get a barrel of wheat milled for every person normally fed in his household.

There have been instances where it was not possible for farmers, at a particular time, to give the exact number of occasional workers. Would a farmer be safe in getting more than one barrel per head ground?

If the number of the household has increased——

I have in mind the occasional workers. A farmer might employ three or four men for a week or ten days and he must support those men. What provision is made for a case of that sort? Will the farmer have to go to a shop in order to purchase bread and other commodities?

I do not think we can discuss individual cases now. I think that the regulations in this connection are well understood by the farmers.

What is to stop the Minister discussing this matter now? I am sure the Minister for Agriculture is well aware of the position with reference to occasional workers in County Wexford.

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