asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Shaw's Flour Mill, Cork, has recently ceased production, that there is now no bakers' flour being milled in Cork; and whether, in view of the fact that other Irish mills have also shut down within the past month, he is prepared to take action in the matter.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Flour Mill.
I am aware that Shaw's Flour Mill at Cork has recently ceased production. This temporary cessation is, I understand, due to difficulties inseparable from an industry whose raw materials have been falling in price for some considerable time past. A number of Irish millers are, according to my information, at present overstocked owing to a temporary shortage of demand, due to falling prices. If bakers' flour is not at present being produced in Cork it does not necessarily mean that Cork bakers cannot get locally milled bakers' flour. The present situation of Irish mills, being due primarily to the recent fall in prices, does not warrant any special action on my part.
Does the Minister remember the reply he gave to a question last week, in which he pointed out that while imports of wheat had decreased imports of flour had increased? That answer is not in keeping with the answer just given.
Why?
If this country were overstocked with flour, surely we would not be importing more flour?
To what time did the question refer—months past?
Within nine months past.
The present situation is a different matter.
Has the Minister any later information with regard to the imports of flour? Are the imports of flour still on the increase?
That is a different question.
I think the Minister ought to be able to answer that, seeing the answer he has just given to this question.
Is it the Minister's attitude that the closing of mills due to over-stocking and continued importation does not call for any action on his part?
A particular situation due to a fall in prices does not call for special action on my part.
In view of the debate which took place last session, is the Minister satisfied that the time has arrived to take action in connection with the whole situation, arising out of the position now disclosed?
As arising out of this, certainly not.
Arising out of the answer that the Minister gave last week, that for the nine months ending September the imports of flour had gone up and the imports of wheat had gone down, does he not consider that the position calls for some action on his part?
No; because comparing the nine months of this year with the nine months of the last four years there is very little difference as regards the position in respect of wheat and flour.
How many mills have closed down within the last nine months?
That is a different question.