asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the reduced demand on canteen stocks consequent upon the demobilisation of men from the Army, he will make available an increased supply of cigarettes to traders who now have to cater for the demobilised men in addition to their ordinary customers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Canteen Stocks of Cigarettes.
I do not exercise control in detail over the distribution of cigarettes to traders. The manufacturers and wholesalers are regulating supplies to their customers on a quota basis but these quotas are not subject to official arrangement.
The rate of release of unmanufactured tobacco to manufacturers from bond has been increased on two occasions during recent months and is now greater than pre-war. I am satisfied that the manufacturers and wholesalers are releasing the greatest possible quantity of cigarettes to the trade and that their distribution takes account of reductions in demands for canteen stocks.