asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that tea constitutes an important food to persons who are engaged in the cutting of turf, and whether he will make arrangements with county surveyors to make supplies of tea available for consumption by workers on bogs.

The question of an extra allowance of tea for workers engaged in the cutting of turf has already been considered. I have found it possible to arrange that a limited quantity can be made available to permit the grant of a small additional allowance in cases where workers are employed on turf cutting in organised groups of substantial size at considerable distances from their homes.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, will he indicate briefly what is the method of distribution? Is it through the county surveyor or the individual worker?

There is no standard method of distribution. In the case of such organised groups, as I have mentioned, of substantial size, where there is some responsible person in charge, who can ensure that the extra allowance is properly utilised, the distribution is made through that person.

Therefore, anybody in charge of a number of workers working on a bog will find it possible to obtain an additional supply of tea for the group working on the bog?

Yes, in such circumstances as I have indicated in the answer to the question.

And I take it the Minister will try to overcome any difficulty that may arise?

Yes, but my Department would have to be informed.

I understand, but the Minister will endeavour to overcome any difficulty?

Yes.

Would the Minister consider extending that scheme to road workers?

The quantity of tea that is available is, naturally, very small, and if the provision of this extra allowance were to be extended to groups of workers in a wide variety of categories, it would be used up very quickly. It is possible to deal with only a limited number of workers, and then only in very special circumstances.

The number of road workers would not be very large, and if the Minister could extend this increased allowance to these workers, it would be of very great benefit to them. I have just had a letter from a road worker in that connection.