asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will take steps to allow the importation of 200 tons duction in a factory (name supplied) until home supplies are available; whether he is aware that this firm and other potato crisps manufacturers have been unable to obtain adequate supplies on the market; and if he will make a statement on the present position in the industry where workers are at present on short time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Potatoes.
21.
Mr. O'Leary
My information is that crisp manufacturers and others should have been able to obtain their requirements so far.
Mr. O'Leary
As the only supplies available, according to our information, on the home market are a white variety unsuitable for the manufacture of crips and, as a result of the lack of supplies at the moment, trade members in Dublin are working on short time and as there are three factories in Dublin, would the Minister make further inquiries to find out if the manufacturers are wrong and he is right?
No, I will not make further enquiries. If any of the manufacturers concerned feel that they are entitled to procure licences the obvious thing for them to do is to get in touch with my Department in that connection.
Mr. O'Leary
I understand that they have been in touch with the Minister's Department.
Yes, and certain lines on which they should proceed were indicated to them and we have not heard from them since.