asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state where the supplies of cigarettes and whiskey previously allocated to the various Army canteens, are now disposed of; and if the various traders throughout the country have been given an increased quota of cigarettes and whiskey as a result of demobilisation, with consequent decreased demand for these commodities in Army canteens.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Cigaretters and Whiskey.
I do not exercise any detailed control 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.
Demands for cigarettes in Army canteens have been reduced as a result of demobilisation but the surplus thus available would not be sufficient to increase traders' quotas generally throughout the country. I understand, however, that the manufacturers are making supplies available out of this surplus to ex-members of the Defence Forces who served full-time in the Army during the emergency and who have set up in business since they were demobilised.
The rate of release of unmanufactured tobacco from bond to manufacturers was increased by the Minister for Finance on two occasions towards the end of last year and is now greater than pre-war.
As regards whiskey, I understand that the sale of spirits is not, and has never been, permitted in Army canteens.
The whiskey sold in officers' and N.C.O.'s messes is obtained through normal trade channels. The distribution of whiskey is not officially controlled and I have no information as to the quantities supplied to these messes.
Do I take it that any ex-soldier who establishes a business with his gratuity will get a supply of cigarettes?
I have endeavoured to make it clear to the Deputy that the distribution of cigarettes to traders is not controlled by me.
Did I understand the Minister to state that whiskey is not sold in canteens? If so, I may say that I had the pleasure of drinking it there.