asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the abolition of the special coupon for the purchase of wheatenmeal flour constitutes a serious threat to the wheatenmeal industry and is likely to cause considerable unemployment in that industry; and, if so, if he will take steps to have the special coupon restored in the bread and flour-rationing scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheatenmeal Flour Purchases.
No. The wheatenmeal ration, hitherto available on the special coupon, is now being incorporated in the basic ration. In effect, therefore, wheatenmeal is getting preferential treatment under the rationing regulations, the weekly ration being 5½ lb. as compared with the weekly flour ration of 4½ lb., and I cannot accept that this arrangement can possibly cause unemployment anywhere.