§ 29. Mr. HUGH LAWasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of 1284 Food whether his attention has been drawn to complaints of the inferior quality of flour now being supplied in the North-West of Ireland and to its insufficiency and unsuitability for purposes of home baking; whether he is aware that a large number of the inhabitants of the more remote districts are entirely dependent upon home baking; and what provision is being made in the matter?
Mr. PARKERGovernment Regulation Flour now being supplied throughout Ireland is identical with the authorised standard for the whole of the United Kingdom. The Canadian and American flours imported into Ireland are likewise of the same types as the imported flours distributed in other parts of the United Kingdom. I cannot agree with the suggestion that the flour supplied is unsuitable for purposes of home-baking. In the industrial parts of England home-baking with this flour is extensively practised, with satisfactory results.
Mr. PARKERThe reply which I have received is that this is the only kind of flour sent to Ireland, and it is identical in character with that which is being distributed in Great Britain.
§ 64. Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the scarcity of flour in Ireland; and if he will state what steps he intends to take to secure a regular supply?
Mr. PARKERI have been asked to reply. The Irish Food Control Committee have received numerous complaints with regard to the scarcity of flour in different parts of Ireland, particularly the West and North-West portion, and in every case where investigation has shown that actual shortage existed steps have been taken by the Committee, in conjunction with the Irish Flour Millers' Association, to provide emergency supplies. The amount of flour milled in Ireland, together with that imputed into the country, is sufficient to meet the general needs of the population, and every effort is being made to secure 1285 equitable distribution. But the difficulties of this task are considerably increased by the practice of hoarding flour, and by its use for feeding calves and pigs, in contravention of the Food Controller's Orders.
§ Mr. LARDNERIs there a week's reserve of flour in Ireland, having regard to the difficulties of transport, and can the Department make transport arrangements to provide an additional reserve there?
Mr. PARKERI cannot answer myself, and my hon. Friend who represents the Food Department is away. The Food Controller's general statement is that there is at the present time a sufficiency of flour in Ireland, though there has been some slight breakdown in the distribution. If the Food Controller's arrangements are carried out, however, Ireland has sufficient flour, equally with the rest of the United Kingdom.