asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of white bran and that the price asked for it is between 7/- and 7/6 per cwt. ex-mill and whether he will take steps to make available supplies of this commodity at a more reasonable price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of White Bran.
It is the fact that in certain districts in the Saorstát the output of white bran is not quite equal to the demand, and the prices prevailing at present are approximately as stated. I am not in a position to regulate the selling price of white bran.
Arising out of the reply, I direct attention to the last half of my question which the Minister has failed to answer, "whether he will take steps to make available supplies of this commodity at a more reasonable price." That he can do by admitting bran.
Dr. Ryan
No.
Why?
Dr. Ryan
That would not do it. It would not be cheaper.
What does the Minister mean? Of course it would be cheaper.
Dr. Ryan
Of course it would not.
Does the Minister seriously suggest that bran cannot be got from Great Britain at the present time under 7/6 delivered?
Dr. Ryan
It would not be landed here at 7/6.
As usual, the Minister is wrong.
Dr. Ryan
As usual, the Deputy is wrong.