asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) if recently there was convened at his Department a meeting of flour importers; (b) if, amongst other subjects, there were then discussed (1) the alarming shortage of flour in the Saorstát, and (2) the extortionate prices demanded by actual holders from consumers; (c) if certain firms were requested to import a large quota amounting to about 250,000 sacks for urgent delivery in the end of July or mid-August; (d) the names of these firms and the quota allotted to each; (e) the price (average) at which this large emergency order was purchased in relation to (1) prices for ordinary deliveries then prevailing, and (2) present prices; (f) his estimate of the extra profits demanded and received by holders in Liverpool, Glasgow, London, and Cardiff, by reason of this emergency order; (g) the position of the importers here in relation to this emergency order and whether they are to be recouped their expenses by Government aid or by increased or continued excessive prices to consumers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Saorstát Flour Supplies.
Meetings of flour importers and officials of the Department of Industry and Commerce are held frequently. Among the subjects discussed at these meetings are the best means of ensuring that all parts of the country shall be supplied with flour in adequate quantities. I am not aware of any justification for the Deputy's reference to an "alarming shortage" of flour and to "extortionate prices" for that commodity.
The Deputy appears to have been misinformed as to the extent to which imported flour is required. The total amount for which licences were issued for the four months ending the 31st July was 193,000 sacks. The amount to be admitted during the three months ending on the 31st October next is, on the basis of our present calculations, 140,000 sacks.
The Register of Flour Importers established under Section 45 of the Agricultural Produce (Cereals) Act may be inspected by any person interested on payment of a fee of 1/-. The particulars appearing on the Register contain all the information concerning importers that can reasonably be made public. It would not be proper for me to disclose particulars regarding the extent of the trade carried on by each of them, and I cannot, therefore, give any figures concerning the quantities of flour admitted under licence to the order of individual importers.
The price which importers pay for flour to millers and merchants abroad is primarily a matter for the importers themselves and the persons from whom they purchase it. The purchasers are not financed by public money, and importers are not guaranteed against loss by the State. The price at which importers sell in this country the flour which they bring in is the only question which affects the consumers. I have asked the Prices Commission to investigate the prices of imported and Saorstát milled flour.
Will the Minister reply to item (c) of the question?
The Deputy's information is not correct.
I desire to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the adjournment owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply.