asked the Minister for Supplies whether considerable quantities of wine have been imported from Portugal since 1940 and have been held in bond here; if he will state if licences for the export of this wine were applied for, and, if so (1) how many applications have been granted, and to whom, and (2) how many have been refused and upon what grounds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Wine.
Considerable quantities of wine have been imported from Portugal since 1940. Normal supplies have been released from bond for home consumption since that date, and the balance (apart from the quantities exported) is still retained in bond here.
There was no prohibition on the export of wine until the 15th November, 1941. Between that date and the 10th January, 1942, licences for the export of relatively small quantities of imported wine were granted to 27 firms whose names I am not prepared to disclose. Since the 11th January, 1942, all applications for the export of wine have been refused except in a few cases where licences for the export of quantities of altar wine have been granted. The applications have been refused so as to conserve stocks for the present and future needs of the home trade.