§ 86. Mr. KEATINGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware of the manner in which the Regulations governing the supplies of wine and brandy to Irish traders are operating; that in cases where traders purchased their supplies in casks in December, 1915, and did not place further orders until February, 1917, they are penalised by having these latter supplies refused on the ground that the average is based on the purchases made in 1916; and will he recommend that in such cases the average should be based on the purchases made in 1915?
§ Mr. CLYNESPresumably the hon. Member is referring to the restriction on deliveries from bond, which, of course, is applicable not to Ireland only, but to the whole of the United Kingdom. I realise that as the restriction is based upon the deliveries from bond in 1916, some inconvenience must be caused to those who. 1623 cleared nothing in that year, but I am afraid it would not be practicable to differentiate in favour of individuals.
§ Mr. KEATINGMay I draw the hon. Member's attention to the injustice that very small traders, who purchased in very small quantities in 1915, and got none in 1916, cannot get any more during the War?
§ Mr. CLYNESMy reply has only stated that differentiation may not be practicable, but if there be special reasons for supplying small traders, such as those referred to, they may be considered.