asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether two-thirds of the capacity of the flour milling industry is under the direct, or indirect control of two companies, and, if so, if he will state (a) what proportion of the capacity of the industry is held by each company, and (b) what proportion of the ordinary shares of each company is held by a British milling combine.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Milling Industry.
I would refer the Deputy to the published information on this matter which is contained in the Report of the Flour and Bread Inquiry 1949 (Pr. 272). I have no further information on the subject, but the Deputy is no doubt aware that if she applies to the Office of the Registrar of Companies in Dublin Castle she can obtain information as to the shareholdings in any public company.
Surely in the case of an industry like this which is receiving a very substantial sum from State funds, a little information as to those holdings should be available to us from the Department?
I have indicated to the Deputy where that information can be secured. It has not been the practice to supply information as to shareholding in reply to questions in this House.