asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that wines and spirits, particularly whiskey, are being bought up by speculators; and if he will state what measures he has taken or proposes to take to end this.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchases of Wines and Spirits.
I am aware that there has been some speculative buying of wines and spirits, and steps have been taken to curb such activities by a prohibition on the auctioning of wines and spirits and by a restriction on exports. It has also been publicly announced that it is the intention to maintain the restriction on exports for such time after the emergency as may be necessary until normal conditions are restored in the trade, and to ensure that high profits will not be made in export markets by those who may now purchase wines or spirits with a view to subsequent export. Other measures are also under consideration, and will be adopted if found to be practicable and desirable.