Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Jun 1965

Vol. 216 No. 9

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

28.

Mr. Cluskey

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the control by two monopoly groups of some 75 per cent of the entire national flour milling quota, and in view of the fact that the number of smaller flour mills has now been reduced from nine to seven and that they deal with only some 20 per cent of the quota, he will take into public ownership the flour milling industry; and if he will simultaneously widen the functions of An Bord Gráin to include the marketing of wheat and related activities.

29.

Mr. Davern

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the trend towards monopoly in the flour milling industry and the greater tendency for independent flour millers to be taken over by larger concerns, he is prepared to take any action in the matter.

Dr. Hillery

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.

I have no evidence that there is a likelihood of a monopoly position developing in the flour milling industry, nor am I aware that there is a greater tendency for independent flour millers to be taken over by larger concerns. I do not consider that there are good grounds for taking the flour milling industry into public ownership. I have no responsibility in relation to the functioning of An Bord Gráin.