andCaptain Giles asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will request the tobacco and cigarette manufacturers to distribute the increased allocation of tobacco, now to be released from bond, by dividing such increase partly for the purpose of raising existing quotas and partly for the purpose of giving quotas to persons who have opened businesses since the relative quota year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased Tobacco Allocation.
The distribution of cigarettes and tobacco is not officially controlled. I understand, however, that, following the recent increase in authorised withdrawals of tobacco from bond, the existing quotas of traders are being increased and that the manufacturers are to consider the possibility of making provision for traders not already in receipt of quotas.
I would like an assurance from the Minister that he will insist on the manufacturers making a quota available to new traders. Up to this, the manufacturers have reserved the right to issue these quotas at their own discretion.
The Deputy will appreciate that I have no power to insist. I understand that the question of making supplies available to people who are not already in receipt of quotas is under consideration by the manufacturers.
Is the Minister aware that, apart altogether from people going into business just recently, there are others who have been getting their quotas of cigarettes through local merchants; and when the scarcity arose these merchants could no longer supply them, with the result that they are without cigarettes at all? To all intents and purposes, they are just as entitled to a quota from the wholesaler as the others are.
I am aware that what the Deputy stated is true, but this is one of the very few things for which I have no responsibility.
Would the Minister not take the responsibility?
I will not. I wish I could shed some of the responsibility I have.