asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the fact that the present distribution of cartridges on the basis of 12 to a 5/- gun licence and 25 to a £2 gun licence is inadequate either for sporting purposes or for checking the depredations of crows and starlings on the winter wheat, he will allow the supplies at present in the hands of retailers to be distributed by increasing the allowance of cartridges to each licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Distribution of Cartridges.
The number of cartridges allocated to holders of shotgun licences is based on the number of such licences current and on the available supplies of cartridges. It is not possible, in the circumstances, to arrange for an increased allocation of cartridges to shotgun licensees, generally, at present.
The question of the stocks of cartridges which are stated to be in the possession of firearms dealers is under examination at present, but I am not in a position to indicate what can be done in this matter until the inquiries have been completed.
Is the Minister aware that there are large supplies of cartridges in the hands of retailers, and that 12 cartridges for five months are of no use to a farmer to scare crows and starlings off his wheat?
As the Deputy has been told, the question of the cartridges in the hands of retailers is being inves tigated.
You are locking the stable door after the horse has been stolen.