asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that releases of tobacco and spirits from bond are restricted with resultant rationing of supplies to retail traders; if he will state why the restriction has been enforced; on what purchasing period the rationing is based; and what percentage is being supplied.

3.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that wholesale spirit merchants and wholesale tobacco distributors are refusing to give publicans and retailers supplies of spirits and cigarettes until after the coming Budget; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.

On 23rd February last, I made an Order directing the Revenue Commissioners to restrict deliveries of leaf tobacco and spirits to the quantities which appeared to them to be reasonable having regard to the circumstances. This was a precautionary measure in view of the approaching Budget and was taken under the powers conferred on me by section 18 of the Finance Act, 1939.

In carrying out my direction the Revenue Commissioners are, broadly speaking, restricting weekly deliveries of leaf tobacco to the average of such deliveries in the period 1st April to the 31st December, 1964, and of spirits to 95 per centum of the average deliveries in the calendar year 1964.

The basis on which these restrictions are applied is designed to ensure that traders, both wholesalers and retailers, should get, during the period of control, supplies adequate to their current needs at this season of the year.

The customs and excise authorities control only deliveries from warehouse or at the point of import; equitable distribution subsequently is a matter for the manufacturing and trade interests concerned. I have no information regarding the refusal of wholesalers to supply the retail trade. I would regard such an attitude as generally unwarranted.

Did I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to say that tobacco was rationed for the period 1st April, 1964, to 31st December, 1964. He did not state what percentage they were entitled to for that period, or perhaps he did and I did not hear it?

I said that the Revenue Commissioners restricted the weekly deliveries of tobacco to the average of such deliveries in the period 1st April to 31st December, 1964, and of spirits to 95 per cent of the average deliveries in the calendar year 1964.

What percentage of normal supplies do they get?

I will read it again.

No, I can get it, but——

The Revenue Commissioners restricted the weekly deliveries of leaf tobacco to the average of such deliveries in the period 1st April to 31st December.

Thank you.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware, in regard to Question No. 3, which refers to wholesale spirit merchants, that a constituent of mine will not get his supplies and is not allowed to take spirits which he has in bond out of bond?

They are getting them in accordance with the percentage of their average deliveries in 1964.

I should point out that this is not unique in this year; it has been a regular occurrence in the past. I might point out to the Deputy that applications from individual traders for a modification of the restrictions to meet their particular circumstances would be considered by the Commissioners on their merits. If the Deputy has a case which he thinks is one of exceptional hardship, he should communicate with the Commissioners.

I shall do so, by all means.