asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will furnish to the Dáil any information in his possession concerning the reported move to "rationalise" the Free State flour-milling industry; and, further, to state what action he is taking to safeguard national interests in this connection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour-Milling.
I have been furnished, in confidence, with information on this matter, but have not been notified that any arrangement relating to the flour-milling industry has been definitely concluded. On the information so far furnished to me I have declined to express any opinion, but I understand that if an arrangement is definitely made I will duly be furnished with full particulars. The question whether any action to safeguard national interests is desirable can then be considered.
Is it the opinion of the Minister that he is not obliged to take action until the arrangement has been made? Does he not think it desirable that he should interfere while the arrangement is being negotiated so as to insure that national interests will be safeguarded?
Surely the Deputy must realise that the Minister, with all the facts in his possession, is sure to do the right thing?
The Deputy has no such assurance and he has no reason to believe that, judging by the Minister's action in the past. Has the Parliamentary Secretary seen the notices which have appeared in the Press to the effect that the arrangement referred to in the question was concluded so as to come into operation on the 1st May? Does he know whether that statement was correct?
We are quite in touch with everything that is happening.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary answer the question I asked him? A statement has appeared in the Press that this arrangement in relation to the flour-milling industry with which my question is concerned came into operation in the Twenty-Six Counties on the 1st May, 1931, and will he tell us if that statement is correct or has the Parliamentary Secretary any information about it?
Put down a question on that matter. This is raising a new issue. If the Deputy puts down a question on the matter I will answer it.