asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that country millers who are compelled to use wood as fuel for kiln-drying grain for the production of flour are unable to secure that degree of dryness essential for effective grinding and that the resulting flour is very inferior and tends towards wastage; and, if so, if he will consider releasing supplies of anthracite to the millers for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel for Country Millers.
I am not aware that country millers who use fuel other than coal for kiln drying wheat for the production of flour are unable to secure that degree of dryness essential for the production of satisfactory flour. As I have previously explained in the present difficult circumstances in regard to coal supplies, I cannot see my way to make coal available to permitted millers for the drying of wheat.
If he is not aware, I am. When wheat is not properly dried it goes musty and mouldy in the bags. The farmer has to get a bag or two at a time. If the Minister thinks that that is good enough for the farmer I do not think it is a fair recompense for what he has done to feed our people.
In any event, there is no coal we could give these millers now.
If you cannot, I suppose we will have to eat the musty bread and let you people have the good bread.