asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Waterford Flour Mills, Limited, have issued a notice that, owing to restrictions in the use of electricity, they can accept wheat from Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. only; and, if so, whether in view of the grave necessity to deal expeditiously with the wheat crop, he will make representations to the E.S.B. to withdraw any instructions they may have issued restricting the use of electricity in the flour mills.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Wheat Deliveries.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that the board has imposed no restrictions on the use of electricity by Waterford Flour Mills, Limited.
In view of the fact that the E.S.B. are not responsible for the curtailment of the hours of acceptance of the wheat, will the Minister not require the Waterford Flour Mills to accept wheat for a full day on each day of the week?
The question which the Deputy addressed to me was that there were certain restrictions being imposed by the Waterford Flour Mills in consequence of restrictions alleged to have been imposed on the firm by the E.S.B. I am now informing the Deputy categorically that the E.S.B. have imposed no such restrictions. I think, therefore, he might make inquiries from the millers concerned as to what is the precise difficulty which they allege is being experienced in this matter.
I saw the notice issued by the millers and they state that the E.S.B. did impose restrictions.
My responsibility extends to the C.I.E. I have no function in the matter of arranging for the taking in of wheat supplies by mills. The Deputy should address a question on that subject, if he so desires, to the Minister for Agriculture.
If he will do that this afternoon at four o'clock it will be investigated forthwith.