asked the Minister for Defence if he will take steps to obtain a quota of cigarettes for ex-Army men who were demobilised after the emergency, and who started in business.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ex-Army Men's Cigarette Quotas.
There is no official control over the distribution of cigarettes and the Minister for Industry and Commerce relies on the manufacturers to see that the system of distribution is an equitable one. The manufacturers, in the interests of their established customers, have a rule not to open any new accounts. This rule was relaxed in favour of ex-Army men setting up in business on demobilisation, and many such men received quotas of cigarettes from the principal manufacturers. Towards the end of 1947, the stage was reached when available surpluses were exhausted. The manufacturers have stated, however, that they will continue to give consideration where possible to applications from ex-service men.
Could the Minister by any chance at all make representations to those manufacturers to try to facilitate those people who rendered very good service during the emergency and who have now started in business so as to give them an opportunity of existing?
May I inform the Deputy that I have made very many such representations since becoming Minister and I do not know that I have succeeded in getting one cigarette for any ex-soldier so far?