asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is in a position to arrange for a further supply of shotgun cartridges to licensed holders of shotguns before the 31st December, 1944.
Ceisteanna. — Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Shotgun Cartridges.
Under an Order made on the 20th November, 1944, a holder of a limited firearm certificate may purchase 12 cartridges per month between November, 1944, and April, 1945. A holder of a £2 firearm certificate may purchase 25 cartridges per month during the same period.
There will not be a further general issue of cartridges by the manufacturers to dealers in connection with the new Order and shotgun licensees who wish to procure supplies will be able to obtain them only from such dealers as have stocks on hands.
Is the Minister aware that owing to the present very bad season it is impossible to sow wheat and will he give an extra allocation of cartridges to the farmers to protect the spring wheat, which is more likely to be attacked, than the wheat that is being sown now? Will the Minister consider the matter?
We have given an extra allocation. That was the nature of the reply.
I was not quite sure what the Minister meant.