asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will grant an allocation of sugar to small caterers who carry on such business on fair and market days where hotel accommodation is inadequate, and where farmers have to leave their homes in the early hours of the morning to attend such places and must have a late breakfast during fair or market hours.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar for Caterers.
Caterers of all classes who were engaged in that business when sugar rationing was introduced and who established title to allowances of sugar on foot of their purchases during 1940, which is the standard year for sugar rationing purposes, were granted permits in accordance with the sugar rationing regulations. The allowance of sugar made to caterers represents 60 per cent. of their standard year purchases, and I regret that the supply position would not permit of any increase in this allowance.
Will the Minister say whether any exceptions have been made to that regulation?
Not, I think, to catering premises as such. It is another question about hotels which are in a different category.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is proposed to make allowances of tea, sugar and butter to the owners of new hotels and restaurants who cannot at present get such supplies to carry on their business; and if so, when these allowances will be made.
Since last year it has been the practice to make allowances of tea, sugar and butter available to proprietors of newly-opened hotels registered with the Irish Tourist Board. The supply position does not permit of this concession being extended to restaurants or other nonresidential catering businesses established since rationing of the commodities in question was brought into operation.
In view of the fact that supplies of these rationed commodities can be made available in unlimited quantities for the black market, will the Minister take the necessary steps to see that those supplies are administered properly, and have special allowances made in cases of this nature?
It is very difficult to answer a question like that.
Will the Minister say why there is a differentiation between classes of hotels—the hotels of the Tourist Board and the private hotel?
The "nobs" go to the former, and the poor clout of a farmer goes to the other. It is good enough for him. He can drink light beer there.