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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Feb 1944

Vol. 92 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Flour.

asked the Minister for Supplies what was the cause of the scarcity of flour during Christmas week; if he is aware that owing to the scarcity many people were left without their Christmas meals, and if he will state what steps he will take to prevent a recurrence.

I am not aware that there was any scarcity of flour during Christmas week, or that many persons were deprived of their Christmas meals due to inadequate supplies of flour. In fact, during the two weeks preceding Christmas the millers delivered approximately 31,000 sacks more than in the corresponding period in 1942, an increase of 25 per cent.

And the people wanted 40,000 sacks because you went over to the new flour.

Is the Minister not aware that in the week before Christmas you could not get a lb. of flour to buy in towns in County Mayo such as Ballina and other towns? I think it is unique in the history of this country that a Minister should leave the people, during Christmas week, without flour or without light to see the food they eat.

More flour was sold during Christmas of last year than in the corresponding week of previous years.

Is the Deputy not aware that there was an acute shortage at that particular period because everybody wanted to taste the new flour? There is a surplus of flour now, and I can tell Deputy Cafferky that if he comes into Ballaghaderreen we will give him all he wants.

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