asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received from the Provincial Newspapers' Association a request that the advertisements regarding the rationing of petrol and oil should be inserted in the provincial newspapers, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advertising in Provincial Newspapers.
A request has been received from the Provincial Newspapers' Association that advertisements regarding the rationing of petrol and oil should be inserted in the provincial Press.
I have considered this request and I am satisfied that the publicity already afforded the petrol and oil rationing scheme through the Press and radio is adequate consistent with reasonable expenditure. If, at any time, it would appear that the publication of advertisements in the provincial Press is necessary the matter will be further considered.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that in rural Ireland quite a large number of people do not purchase the daily papers, that they depend for their information on the weekly papers which they read from cover to cover and in view of the fact that the only alternative source of information available to them with regard to petrol rationing is the radio, would the Minister not agree that it is very awkward at times for the public to have to take the full facts in connection with rationing from the radio announcements? In view of that fact, would he not reconsider his decision and make the advertisements available to the provincial newspapers so that the people in rural areas will know definitely what the position is with regard to rationing of oil and petrol?
I think the Deputy will agree, and even people who have only cursorily glanced at the daily newspapers will agree, that there has been abundant publicity for petrol and oil rationing. The radio is also being used for the purpose of publicising the arrangements. I personally think that the publicity so far accorded to these arrangements is adequate and, as I say, consistent with reasonable expenditure but if there is any clear evidence that there is need for publicity in the provincial newspapers I should be only too glad to have the matter considered. I think, however, judging from the number of the letters that have reached me on the subject, everybody seems to have an intimate knowledge of what the arrangements are.
Surely the very fact that the Minister is getting a stream of letters is proof positive that the people, to a great extent, are not aware of the position? I am in the position at the moment that I am getting letters from people inquiring what is the exact position in regard to the rationing, and that is due to the fact that the people are not fully aware of the conditions laid down by the Minister. I would ask him to reconsider the matter.
I think we are getting different kinds of letters. Those I am getting are appealing to my soft heart for supplementary rations.