asked the Minister for Supplies if he will give consideration to a supplementary ration of kerosene to shop-owners in small towns and rural areas where electricity or other means of light is not available during the month of December, so as to enable them to deal with the seasonable increase in business during Christmas.

I have given the fullest consideration to the kerosene requirements of shopkeepers in small towns and rural areas, but owing to the supply situation I am not in a position to grant any special allowances during the month of December to the shopkeepers concerned in excess of any domestic ration to which they may be entitled in respect of their premises.

Is the Minister aware that a number of small shopkeepers have to close their premises at 4 o'clock at present for want of lighting?

I am afraid that fact does hot increase the supply of kerosene available to us.

Would the Minister consider doing something for these people for Christmas week?

I am prepared to hear from Deputy Browne or from anybody else how I can give increased supplies of kerosene if they can tell me whom I am to take supplies from. All the supplies of kerosene that we have are going out, and we cannot give more to one class without taking it from another class. From what class does the Deputy suggest we should take kerosene?

There are some people in towns who have lighting systems of their own. They have an advantage over poorer people in the same areas who are not able to afford to establish lighting systems and, as a result, they have no light and have to close their premises at 4 o'clock.

The Deputy should try to deal with the question in a practical way.