asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is a shortage of flour in local bakeries at Portarlington and Daingean, County Offaly, and the bakeries have not enough flour to produce bread to meet local demands and, if so, if he will increase the flour ration accordingly so as the bakeries may be in a position to comply with local bread orders; further, if he is aware that in both areas Dublin bread is supplied, with the result that local bakers and other employees may lose their employment; and if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Ration and Bread Supply.
I am not aware of the existence of any shortage of flour in the areas mentioned by the Deputy. Under the flour and bread rationing regulations, all bakers may obtain sufficient supplies of flour to bake the quantities of bread which they may legally sell, and I cannot see my way to give bakers in a particular area more than their legal entitlement.
I am aware that many country areas draw portion of their supplies of bread from bakeries in Dublin, but, provided the necessary ration documents are surrendered, this does not constitute an offence under the rationing regulations.
Does the Minister not realise that Dublin bakeries must have more flour than they are legally entitled to, if they can supply practically all the Midlands? Further, is he aware of the fact that in the two areas mentioned, Portarlington and Daingean, the local bakeries are almost closing down for want of flour? In these circumstances, would he undertake to ask an officer of his Department to visit both areas and ascertain the position from the bakers?
Is the Minister aware that some of the large Dublin bakeries have vans constantly on the road all over the West of Ireland?
There is nothing illegal in that. So far as Portarlington and Daingean are concerned, no bakery there has complained of any difficulty in obtaining supplies of flour. Every bakery will get all the flour required to produce all the bread they are entitled to sell. The only limitation is the willingness of the people to buy it.
Is the Minister certain he has not a complaint in his Department from a firm named Matthews of Portarlington and if he does not believe in what is contained in the question by Deputy Flanagan can he not ask one of his innumerable inspectors to visit the area?
The Deputy misunderstands the situation. So far as any bakery is concerned, it can sell all the bread it likes provided the necessary ration documents are obtained, and if it can sell the bread it will get all the flour necessary to bake it.
I do not think the Minister is well informed of the position in the Midlands.