asked the Minister for Supplies whether, in view of the possibility, already indicated by him, of having to reduce the tea ration during the summer months, he will consider as an alternative drastically reducing supplies of tea to hotels, restaurants, cafés, and other public catering concerns, in order to make possible the maintenance of the tea ration to individual consumers at the present level.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tea Ration.
Tea supplies for catering establishments have been reduced by reference to normal consumption in approximately the same proportion as the ration for householders has been reduced. The total quantity now being made available for catering would not be sufficient, even if it were entirely withdrawn, to make possible the maintenance of the present household ration and in view of this, and having regard to the effect on employment in catering trades, I consider the course suggested in the Deputy's question not desirable.
Mr. Larkin
Would the Minister draw the attention of his officials to the fact that when the regulations in regard to tea first came into operation, in the case of public restaurants and caterers of that type the allowance was based on their consumption at a certain period in 1941? How is it that people who were not in the restaurant business at that time are now able to get supplies of tea—people, some of whom left their own country for their country's good? How are they able to get large supplies based on consumption previous to their advent to this country? How does the gentleman who runs that official hotel in Talbot Street get supplies in view of the fact that he was not in the country at the time that the regulations were made? I have already drawn the Minister's attention to a place in O'Connell Street that has been in business for only a year and a half that is now getting large supplies of tea and sugar. It never sold tea—it was an ice-cream bar.
That is not a question.
Mr. Larkin
I am putting a question to the Minister. It is a question of fact.
I do not think it is a question of fact. The allocation of tea supplies to caterers is based on their purchases during a certain datum period. I should say that, generally speaking, there has been no exemption from that regulation.
Mr. Larkin
I have asked the Minister a question.
Will the Deputy let me speak? I am as much entitled to speak here as anybody else. In so far as commercial catering is concerned, there has been no special treatment given to anyone.
Mr. Larkin
Has the Palm Grove in O'Connell Street been in business more than a year and a half? Has Mr. Kitchen of the Globe Hotel, Talbot Street, been in business more than a year and a half?
That is a separate question.
If the Deputy wants to ask about particular firms he will have to give me notice.
Mr. Larkin
I will give the Minister notice.