asked the Minister for Supplies upon what grounds he has refused to grant a licence for the sale of paraffin to Mr. William Walsh, who has recently purchased the principal grocery and provision establishment in Multyfarnham, County Westmeath; whether he has granted to two publicans there licences to retail kerosene; and if he will state the reason for making this discrimination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licences to Retail Kerosene.
Licences for the retail sale of paraffin oil under the Emergency Powers (Kerosene Rationing) (No. 2) Order, 1941, were granted by my Department in 1941 to traders who applied for such licences on or before the 25th August, 1941. No additional kerosene retailers' licences were issued after that date.
Mr. William Walsh of Multyfarnham first applied for a kerosene retailer's licence on the 2nd September, 1942, in respect of premises for which a kerosene retailer's licence was not in force. As no licences for the retail sale of kerosene have been issued since the 25th August, 1941, his application was refused by my Department in conformity with standing practice. I am not prepared to make an exception in favour of any individual trader.
I am aware that three traders in Multyfarnham already hold kerosene retailers' licences obtained by them in August, 1941. In the issuing of these licences no inquiry was made as to whether or not the applicants were also publicans. The question of discrimination, therefore, does not arise.