asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what arrangements he has made as regards ex-service men who now intend starting small grocery and confectionery businesses; and if he is prepared to make arrangements with the firms previously supplying Army canteens to have quotas granted to these ex-service men instead.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quotas for Ex-Service Men.
I have arranged that my Department will afford every possible assistance to suitably qualified ex-service men proposing to start in business involving the handling of rationed commodities. The extent of the assistance may vary according to the nature of the business and the supply position at the particular time, but in general it will include the grant of the licences, permits or other facilities within my control which may be necessary to enable them to commence and to continue in business. As regards the question of making arrangements with the individual firms previously supplying Army canteens to give quotas to ex-service men, the position is that each applicant must find a wholesaler willing to supply him. In cases where difficulty arises in finding a supplier, I am prepared to have the matter raised with the appropriate trade group.
Will the Minister say if that would apply to ex-servicemen who propose to engage in the catering business?
Ordinarily, yes, but I would not like to undertake that this arrangement will continue unchanged, so far as catering is concerned, in the immediate future.