asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that the shortage of bacon is so acute that the majority of persons in the country have been unable to purchase it for a number of months past; and in view of this fact if he will state why he has refused shipping space for the importation of bacon and hogs' fat from Portugal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shipping Space for Bacon Imports.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am not prepared to grant space on Irish ships for the importation of bacon from Portugal while there are more essential goods available for shipment. Shipping space was refused for hogs' fat as it was clear from information available to the Department of Supplies that supplies of this commodity would not be released for shipment from abroad to this country.