asked the Minister for Supplies whether he will state if it is a fact that supplies of oranges are expected to be imported shortly; if so, whether in order to obviate the consumption of such oranges solely by well-to-do persons, or even the possible deterioration of the fruit through the inability of the public to pay unduly high prices, he will review his decision given in reply to a question on this subject on the 21st ultimo, and arrange to take control of such supply; and, further, if he will distribute the oranges free or at reduced prices to children through hospitals, welfare clinics, schools, etc., in view of the need of children for such protective fruits and the existing prevalence of skin infections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Orange Supplies.
Limited supplies of oranges for retail distribution are expected to be imported shortly. These oranges will be available for purchase at wholesale and retail prices to be fixed by me. It is not proposed further to control the distribution of the restricted quantity of oranges which will be available nor is it intended to operate any scheme for their free distribution at the public expense. I have received no representations from any organisation desiring to purchase for free distribution a portion of the supplies which will be available, but if such representations are made, arrangements will be made to bring the parties into touch with the wholesale importers.
Does the Minister not agree that it would be preferable if these oranges were reserved for the use of children rather than that they should be kept for people who are able to pay 5½d. each for them?
The function of the Minister for Supplies in this matter is to bring in all the supplies he can and make them available at a price that does not yield an unreasonable profit to traders. If there is amongst charitable organisations or on the part of the Dublin Corporation a desire to procure some of the supplies for free distribution to children in hospitals or elsewhere, they can be facilitated but any specific arrangement that might be made for Dublin would be a matter for some organisation in Dublin.