Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Oct 1962

Vol. 197 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Milling Industry.

42.

Dr. Browne

andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the unsatisfactory treatment meted out to the small farmers of this country by the private interests in the flour milling industry and the present exorbitant prices of flour and bread the Government will give immediate consideration to the establishment of a State body on the lines of the Sugar Company to ensure that (a) an impartial system of wheat testing is established, (b) an equitable form of contract letting for wheat growing is established and (c) flour and bread are brought within the reach of the public at a reasonable price.

43.

Mr. Corish

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the importance of flour and bread in the diet of the people of Ireland and in view of the widespread dissatisfaction with the present system of acceptance or rejection of wheat as operated by the flour milling industry he will take steps to have the flour milling industry taken into public ownership.

Mr. Childers

I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.

The question of the nationalisation of the milling and baking industries was debated in the House in November, 1960. On that occasion I stated that I was of opinion, for reasons which I gave, that nationalisation was not desirable and that it would not result in cheaper flour or bread. I am still of that opinion. While the problems involved in determining a standard of millability and the practicability of introducing a scheme for the growing of wheat on a contract basis are matters which are primarily the concern of the Minister for Agriculture, I am not satisfied that nationalisation is the appropriate way of dealing with these problems.