asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that ex-members of the Defence Forces, who on retirement were given quotas of certain rationed goods for the purpose of setting up in the provision business, have been refused quotas of bacon; and if he will take steps to ensure that such quotas will be made available to them without further delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Quotas for Ex-Servicemen.
I am aware that it has not been found practicable to make supplies of bacon available to ex-members of the Defence Forces who have set up in the provision business. Under present arrangements, distribution of bacon is regulated by the Pigs and Bacon Commission on a quota system based on the quantity of each firm's purchases during the year ended 31st March, 1941. It will be appreciated that in the present conditions of scarcity, fresh or additional supplies of bacon for any individual trader cannot be provided without reducing the quotas to which other traders are entitled under the relevant regulations.
In view of the increased supplies of bacon available at the moment, will the Minister consider giving a quota to shopkeepers established since the standard year?
It is possible that we are getting very near the point where consideration can be given to such applications. During the present month those who had a quota have climbed back to 45 per cent., and I do not think that it would be reasonable that they should go right back to 100 per cent. before new people are considered.
Is the Minister aware that ex-Army men who gave service to their country got a definite promise from the Government—I do not know which Government, but such a promise should be honoured by the Government which succeeded it—that they would get quotas if they wished to set up in business? A lot of ex-Army men have written to me about the matter.
The Deputy is making a speech.
I am asking will that promise which was given be honoured?
I am not aware that a firm promise was made in that regard. There was a promise made by the Minister that the utmost assistance and sympathy would be given towards establishing such people in trade. As far as I am aware, that promise was honoured as completely as it could be, taking into account the supply position.
In view of the fact that some people selling bacon will be able to get as much as 45 per cent. of their quota in the coming month, does the Minister not think that at this stage he should give special consideration to the group of ex-Army men who are in this business without any reference to the people who may have to be considered as being in the business from 1941?
As I have already stated, we are, in my opinion, coming near the point where new customers can be considered. But we are not quite at it. I think, in the case of anybody who was in the trade in the standard year and was cut down and is now only getting back to the 45 per cent., that it is not unreasonable to carry that out.
Mr. Collins
Would the Minister not consider that ex-Army men are in a stronger position than new customers?
Ex-Army men are, of course, new customers, and if we are going to consider new customers then it will be a case of deciding on priorities as between new customers.
Can the Minister say whether, in the event of consideration being given to new customers, it also will be possible for the Department to give consideration to the allocation of new pork dealers' licences?
That is another question. I shall get it considered.