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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 1945

Vol. 98 No. 15

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Distribution of Fruit.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the dissatisfaction resulting from the allocation of imported fruit and dried fruit; that neither shopkeepers nor inhabitants in the larger housing areas of the city have obtained any supplies; and if he will consider the advisability of arranging for a more equitable distribution of the various fruits available.

Apart from dried fruit, the only fruit imported recently were oranges and lemons. These latter fruits are being distributed through ordinary trade channels and I am not aware that there is any criticism of the distribution of these fruits.

The quantity of dried fruit imported and to be imported is sufficient to meet only a fraction of the demand, being not more than 20 per cent. of the quantity normally purchased during the Christmas season. After consultation with the wholesale trade, arrangements were made to ensure that the dried fruit would be distributed to retail traders on the most equitable basis possible in the circumstances. The position of shopkeepers in newly built housing areas in the city is being examined, in consultation with a trade advisory committee, with a view to seeing whether any special provision can be made to secure supplies of dried fruit for them. The total supplies available for distribution are so small in relation to the demand that, even if special arrangements can be made for the newly built areas, it will not be possible to provide more than a fraction of the needs of these areas.

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