asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider increasing the weekly flour ration from 4½ lb. to 6 lb. and the weekly bread ration from 6 lb. to 8 lb. for all persons engaged in heavy manual labour.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will amend the rationing regulations to provide for an increase in the bread and flour rations to 8 lb. and 6 lb. respectively for persons employed in heavy manual work.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.

Under the existing regulations, additional allowances of flour and bread are granted to all classes of persons who because of the nature of their work are specially dependent on bread meals.

I cannot see my way to recommend an all round increase in the ration to heavy workers but individual applications will, as hitherto, be considered sympathetically.

Am I to understand from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that if a man who is engaged in heavy manual labour, and finds that his ration of bread or flour is not sufficient, makes genuine application to the Department of Industry and Commerce, his case will be considered and, if he deserves it, an increase will be given?

That is so.

Why does not he go to the Gresham or some other place?

The black market must continue.