asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce is he is aware that persons with .22 rifle permits cannot procure rifle ammunition on those permits; that there is a substantial black market in this rifle ammunition at sixpence per bullet; and if, in view of this, he will take steps to ensure that permit holders get their quota of ammunition through their trading agents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rifle Ammunition.
I am aware that there is a shortage of .22 rifle ammunition which is not manufactured in this country and none of which has been imported for a considerable time past. I do not consider it feasible to take steps to control the disposal of such limited supplies as are, or may become, available.
The Minister approves of the black market then?
The answer is an emphatic "no."
There is a black market in this .22 ammunition at 6d. per bullet. Can the Minister not make some effort to stop it?