asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state on what basis candles are distributed at present; and whether it is proposed to introduce any scheme of rationing for candles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Distribution of Candles.
The quantity of candles to be distributed is determined each quarter by my Department and distributed by the manufacturers to wholesale and retail traders on the basis of those traders' purchases in 1938. Where no supplies were purchased in that year, distribution is made on the basis of purchases in 1937 and 1939.
It is not proposed to introduce a scheme of rationing for candles. The total supplies available are so small in relation to the demand that the quantity which each householder would receive under a rationing scheme would not be sufficient to justify the setting up of the elaborate machinery which would be required to operate the scheme.