I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
On 23rd February last, I made an Order directing the Revenue Commissioners to restrict deliveries of leaf tobacco and spirits to the quantities which appeared to them to be reasonable having regard to the circumstances. This was a precautionary measure in view of the approaching Budget and was taken under the powers conferred on me by section 18 of the Finance Act, 1939.
In carrying out my direction the Revenue Commissioners are, broadly speaking, restricting weekly deliveries of leaf tobacco to the average of such deliveries in the period 1st April to the 31st December, 1964, and of spirits to 95 per centum of the average deliveries in the calendar year 1964.
The basis on which these restrictions are applied is designed to ensure that traders, both wholesalers and retailers, should get, during the period of control, supplies adequate to their current needs at this season of the year.
The customs and excise authorities control only deliveries from warehouse or at the point of import; equitable distribution subsequently is a matter for the manufacturing and trade interests concerned. I have no information regarding the refusal of wholesalers to supply the retail trade. I would regard such an attitude as generally unwarranted.