asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious food supply position in many homes in West Cork, especially where potato supplies are becoming exhausted and no home-grown wheat is available to supplement the bread and flour ration; that oatmeal is unobtainable in most places in the area; that the bread and flour ration is entirely inadequate for persons engaged in manual labour; and whether, in view of this serious position, he will take all necessary steps to supply the people of West Cork with a sufficient ration of flour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Flour Supply.
I have no evidence of a serious food supply position in many homes in West Cork but I am arranging to have the position there investigated. Oatmeal is at present in short supply generally due to the poor crop of native oats from the last harvest but supplies of imported oatmeal which are expected to arrive this week will help to ease the position and delivery of a substantial cargo of Canadian oats, expected early next month, will ensure ample supplies from that date onward. The wheat supply position does not yet permit of a general increase in the basic ration, but as the Deputy is no doubt aware a supplementary ration of flour or bread is available to classes of persons engaged in heavy manual work.