asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that traders in many provincial towns are finding it impossible to obtain sufficient cartridges to supply the requirements of holders of gun licences; and, if so, if he will now take steps to have supplies more equitably distributed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Cartridges.
The supply of cartridges available for distribution represents only a small proportion of normal requirements. Consequently, each holder of a gun licence has had to be limited as to the maximum number he may purchase in a particular month. The cartridges which are available are distributed to dealers on the basis of their previous purchases and any licensee may purchase his permitted supplies from any dealer who may have stocks on hands. I do not consider it necessary to intervene in the matter of the distribution of the cartridges by the manufacturers to the dealers.
Is the Minister aware that the licence-holders are unable to secure the quota provided for in their licence in many districts?
Supplies of cartridges are distributed by manufacturers to dealers on the basis of their previous purchases. The licence-holders are entitled to buy the maximum number of cartridges from any dealer who may have them.
That means that licence-holders may have to come up to the city in some cases.
It may mean that.
That is hardly fair distribution.
I do not think that I should interfere with the arrangement made by manufacturers for distribution of cartridges since that arrangement is related to the previous purchases made by traders.