asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that the present arrangement in regard to the use of ration books is open to serious abuse in view of the fact that in the case of persons unable for economic or physical reasons to use the clothing coupons there is a temptation to dispose of the ration book as a whole; whether he is aware that, in fact, a remunerative market in the sale of ration books has already developed; whether he is aware that, in the circumstances, the introduction of the rationing scheme will not put an end to the sale of clothing for non-residents and, whether, in the light of these facts, he will consider an amendment of the scheme in such a way as to make the ration book serve the needs of other commodities so as to ensure that there will not be a transfer or sale of books.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ration Book Abuses.
I am aware of the danger that some persons may be induced to dispose of the ration books issued to them or to sell pages or coupons from these books. To offset this danger, provision has been made in the Emergency Powers (General Rationing Provisions) Order, 1942, forbidding any trafficking in coupons and making it an offence for which heavy penalties are provided, either to sell or give away a ration book or to sell or give away pages or coupons from these ration books. I am not aware of the matters to which the Deputy refers in the second and third parts of his question.
As has been indicated, it is proposed at an early date to make provision so that the ration books will be used in connection with the rationing of sugar and tea.