asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate when the money allocated in the Budget will be made available to the master bakers for distribution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allocation to Master Bakers.
It is proposed to distribute the moneys allocated to the master bakers on the basis of their purchases of bakers' flour in the critical period. Certified returns of the sales of bakers' flour have, accordingly, been sought from the flour millers, flour wholesalers and factors.
When complete returns have been furnished and examined, payments will be made as speedily as possible of the amounts found to be due.
I think I am right in saying that the Minister is waiting for a statement from two associations, the Irish Association of Master Bakers and the Guild of Master Bakers. When the money is ultimately being distributed would he bear in mind the fact that quite a considerable number of bakers in this country are not members of that organisation?
Yes, but I think the Deputy is aware that there are certain counter claims which have to be discussed with the associations.
I appreciate that, but I would ask the Minister to bear the other factor in mind.