asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that flour millers in this country will only quote carriage paid prices for flour and milling offals, thus making it impossible for merchants to use their own lorries to carry their own flour and meal from mills to their own premises; and whether he will take steps to ensure that, in future, an allowance corresponding to the freight charges will be made in all cases where delivery is taken at the mill.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Freight Charges for Flour and Milling Offals.
I am informed that it is not correct that flour millers will only quote carriage paid prices for flour. The relevant Order fixes a maximum f.o.r. price which is all the purchaser need pay if he takes delivery himself at the mill.
The millers' price of offals is uniform for the whole country and includes an average charge for freights. I do not consider it desirable that this arrangement, which facilitates the fair distribution of offals, should be changed by eliminating the average freight charges where delivery is taken at the mill.
In the event of any merchant being refused an allowance in respect of freight, where he takes the delivery of the flour at the mill, if he applies to the Minister, will the Minister take steps to ensure that the appropriate allowance is made?
I think the answer covers that point. The relevant Order fixes a maximum f.o.r. price which is all the purchaser need pay if he takes delivery at the mill. It would seem to me that that Order covers the particular point the Deputy raises.
Will the Minister take appropriate steps to ensure that effect is given to that Order in the event of a merchant complaining that he has been denied the benefit of it, or must the merchant report the matter to the Gárda, swear an information, and have proceedings instituted?
I assume the Minister, in making the Order, gave himself all the powers necessary to take the action Deputy Dillon suggests.
I am asking the Minister will he use the powers?
I can hardly answer that question. If I were Minister for Industry and Commerce, I would tell him "Yes."
That is all I want to know. Thank you very much.