asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state on what grounds an application for a permit and petrol coupons for a motor truck for the delivery of fish was refused to Mr. Thomas Walsh, Bannow Bay, Bannow, County Wexford, and whether he is aware that this truck was required for commercial purposes only, i.e., for the transport of essential foodstuffs of a perishable nature.

I am aware of the purpose for which Mr. Walsh required a truck. The facilities to which the Deputy refers were refused because the applicant was not qualified, under the existing practice, for the grant of such facilities. Mr. Walsh will, however, as from the 12th November, 1945, be entitled to a basic ration for any commercial goods vehicle which he desires to use.