asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in the event of a consumer being prevented by illness, bad weather or other circumstances outside his control, from collecting his ration of tea, sugar, butter or flour within the ration week, he is entitled to draw those supplies when collecting the rations in the following week; and if not, if he will review the existing regulations with a view to obviating unnecessary hard-ships on country people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ration Regulations.
A consumer is not entitled under the rationing regulations to obtain rations of tea, sugar, butter or flour in respect of a previous ration week. I am satisfied that the effective enforcement of rationing requires that persons should not be entitled to draw rations in arrear and it is not proposed to change the present regulations.
Are they entitled to get them in advance?
Certain of them—flour.
The Minister is going to continue the hardship involved in cases of sickness.
I would be surprised to learn that persons could not arrange to have their rations drawn for them.
The Minister should realise that it happens in odd cases and he should make provision for those cases.
If persons are allowed to draw rations in arrear the whole scheme of rationing will break down.
The ration is available and it is only a matter of keeping it for one week. That should not present any practical difficulties.
If the Deputy will think it out, I think he will see that I am right.