asked the Minister for Supplies on what basis the consignment of oranges which arrived in this country of late is being distributed to retailers, and if he will now consider a system of rationing in which the mothers of young families would get first consideration.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Distribution of Oranges.
Shipping space has been granted for the importation of oranges to firms which normally imported direct from abroad in the past, on the understanding that they would distribute the limited supplies available equitably to their usual wholesale and retail customers. The quantities of oranges which it has been possible to import for retail sale have been very small and the consignments have arrived at irregular intervals. It would not be practicable to introduce a rationing scheme covering the distribution of any consignments of oranges which reach this country in view of their perishable nature, and as a regular flow of supplies cannot be maintained.
Mr. Larkin
Was not an undertaking given in this House that when supplies were available, institutions or persons interested in social work applying for a quantity of oranges would get them for children?
The present procedure is that the oranges are sold by auction subject to a price fixed by my Department. I intimated that if any organisation wished to procure supplies for free distribution to children or to other such persons, I would be prepared to facilitate them in that matter.
Mr. Larkin
I suggest you should advise importers on that fact because there is no auction in the ordinary sense.