asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fact that the provisions of Part III of the Flour, Wheatenmeal and Bread Order, 1949, preclude the manufacture of bread, flour, confectionery and biscuits other than from straight-run flour, flour of 75 per cent. extraction or standard wheatenmeal, save under permit granted by him, he will state whether a permit or permits in accordance with that Order has or have been granted by him to provide for the manufacture of bread, etc., from the 72 per cent. extraction imported flour which is being retailed at 7/- per stone; and, if so, if he will state when such permit or permits were granted, and if no permit has been granted, if he will state by what authority the manufacture of bread from 72 per cent. extraction imported flour is permitted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Manufacture of Bread, etc.
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.
The flour recently imported is of a type similar to the unrationed home-produced flour of 75 per cent. extraction, and is being distributed under the same terms and conditions as apply to that flour. In order to safeguards traders from the suspicion of technical breaches of the Flour, Wheatenmeal and Bread Orders, 1949, in the sale or use of this imported flour, I have incorporated in an amending Order, made on 2nd June, 1950, provisions which remove any doubt which some people may have had in the matter.
Is it not a fact that in permitting the sale of this flour the Minister took part in the commission of an illegal action?
I sincerely hope not, but lest that suspicion should remain in any solicitous mind I have taken steps to make it crystal clear that I was not.
Will the Minister agree with me that it was quite clear from the provision of the Flour, Wheatenmeal and Bread Orders, 1949, that no provision whatever permitted the sale of this flour at over 2/8 or 3/- a stone?
I cannot agree, but I am prepared to concede at once that the Deputy and Deputy Lemass are actuated by nothing except a public-spirited solicitude about my safety and to protect me from any ambiguity, which I must appreciate.
It is a good job for the Minister that the king can do no wrong.
It is a good job that I have such solicitous and charitable friends.