asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been drawn to a circular issued to the public by a Dublin bakery firm which claims, amongst other things, that the particular type of bread manufactured by them and advertised by the circular owes its freshness to the fact that it is manufactured during the night; and whether in the light of the provisions of the Night Work (Bakeries) Act, 1936, in relation to the manufacture of bread during the night, an investigation into the matter has been carried out and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Night Baking in Dublin.
10.
The Deputy's attention has already been directed, in writing, to the fact that the statement to which he refers provides no prima facie ground for inferring that the firm concerned are not observing the law.
As a matter of general principle I am not disposed to make a public statement as to whether the Gardaí have made any special enquiries about the activities of an identifiable firm against whom no evidence of an offence has been adduced. I am satisfied that if such enquiries are necessary or desirable the Gardaí will attend to them as a normal Garda duty.
Does the Minister suggest that no offence was committed? I mean, are the Guards satisfied that no offence is being committed? In other words, are they satisfied that the Act is not being evaded, as was suggested in a letter to me from the Department for Industry and Commerce, by baking before 10 o'clock?
I am suggesting there is no prima facie evidence for the Garda to go upon.
Is it not admitted in the circular—night baking? Surely that is pretty clear.
What is the definition of night baking?
According to the Night Work (Bakeries) Act, from 10 in the evening to six in the morning.
Would they not be entitled to bake up to 10 o'clock?
But that is not nighttime. That is evening, surely ?
I do not think so.