asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious danger to public health involved in the present practice of millers insisting on the return of sacks; whether he considers that this practice presents a fruitful medium for the spread of the germs of disease; and whether he has taken any precautions to ensure that such sacks are sterilised before being reused by millers.

Owing to the shortage of supplies of sacks and of the materials for their manufacture it was necessary to introduce the Emergency Powers (Sacks) Order, 1941, which renders obligatory the issue of sacks on a returnable basis. I am informed that, on the return of flour sacks, the millers have them thoroughly cleaned and all reasonable precautions are taken to ensure that sacks are in a clean condition when repacked.

Is the Minister aware that any sacks that go astray or get lost are charged for at the rate of 5/-; that this is a very big source of additional profit to millers and of loss to the consumer and retailer?

So far as there is a profit to millers, that is taken into account in determining the reasonable gross profit. The charge is a penal charge intended to ensure that sacks will not be lost, but will be returned.

Is the Minister satisfied that it is taken into account?

Certainly.

Could the Minister forecast any approximate date when the necessity for continuing that arrangement will cease, as it is manifestly not desirable except under emergency circumstances?

I could not attempt to make any such forecast.