asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that many small traders have been prosecuted because of their failure to keep proper tea and sugar records; that such failure was due to lack of experience in keeping records; that inspectors of his Department make no effort to help or inform such traders as to how records should be completed; and if, in view of the large number of prosecutions where offences were of a trivial character, and the fact that such prosecutions are a serious reflection on reputable traders, he will take steps to ensure that his inspectors will adopt a better spirit of help and co-operation towards people who are anxious to comply with the regulations.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea and Sugar Records.
In most cases where traders are prosecuted for failure to keep tea and sugar records they are also involved in other offences against rationing and price orders. Experience has shown that in many instances traders have deliberately failed to keep records in an endeavour to cloak irregular dealings in rationed commodities. Traders generally fully realise the necessity of keeping proper records and appreciate that these records are an essential part of the machinery of official rationing. The records which have to be kept are devised so as to be as simple and straightforward as possible.
When rationing of tea was introduced in the spring of 1941 the Department's inspectors visited as many shopkeepers as possible and explained to them the system of rationing which had been adopted and how records were to be kept. At the time the inspectors did everything possible to assist shopkeepers in connection with the difficulties arising out of the rationing scheme. Ever since then the inspectors have co-operated to the fullest extent with shopkeepers and they have always been ready to assist any trader who is making a genuine effort to comply with the requirements.
The importance of keeping records has been stressed repeatedly by statements in Dáil Éireann and by official announcements in the Press and on the radio. In order to assist shopkeepers in complying with this and other rationing requirements a special handbook for their guidance was published by the Department of Supplies in July, 1943. As I have already indicated on a number of occasions, failure to keep records properly is a serious offence and any trader who does not comply with this requirement will be prosecuted.
I merely want to direct the Minister's attention to the fact that his inspectors are in no way helpful, particularly to small traders. Does the Minister realise that some small traders, who have no experience of completing forms, find it difficult to understand these forms? A great many of them are not aware of the existence of the handbook to which the Minister has referred. Will the Minister instruct his inspectors to be more sympathetic towards these people who are anxious to comply with the regulations but who, in a great many cases, have not the ability to do so?
I do not think such instructions are necessary.
May I inquire if the Minister is aware that certain of his inspectors are very helpful and are doing their job admirably and with understanding of the small shop-keeper's difficulties, whereas others, perhaps younger and less experienced, are inclined to adopt a Draconian attitude, which greatly intimidates simple country people? Would he direct the attention of the inspectorate staff to the necessity of modelling their general standard of conduct on that of the more experienced members of the staff who understand how to get the best results.
The inspectors are fully instructed as to how to carry out their duties.