asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state (1) what restrictions, by way of amount, are imposed on the distribution of cigarettes by cigarette manufacturers; (2) what is the reason for such restrictions; (3) whether he will state if shipping space has been provided for the import of cigarettes from the United States; (4) and, if so, whether this shipping space could not have been allocated for unmanufactured tobacco, with a view to helping to maintain employment here.

The cigarette manufacturers have restricted deliveries of cigarettes to a maximum of 90 per cent. of normal purchases. The reason for this restriction is presumably the desire of manufacturers to relate their sales of cigarettes to the supplies of tobacco they are allowed to clear from bond. Shipping space has been provided for the importation of small quantities of cigarettes from the U.S.A., but this space did not involve the displacement of any unmanufactured tobacco.

Will the Minister say if shipping space for the importation of unmanufactured tobacco has been refused in any case?

No.

Is it not a fact that the restriction is by Government Order, and not by arrangement with the manufacturers?

I do not know to what restriction the Deputy is referring. There is no restriction on the importation of unmanufactured tobacco. There is a restriction on the withdrawal of tobacco from bond by tobacco manufacturers.

That is a restriction by the Government on the withdrawal by manufacturers?

On tobacco from bond.