§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that many flour merchants have on hand stocks of flour of the grade allowed a few months ago, and which is now not marketable unless at greatly reduced prices, and is deteriorating day by day whether they are still precluded from selling in quantities exceeding 28 lbs. unless under special licence held by the buyer; whether he is aware of the treatment by District Inspector Barrington, of Newry, and subordinate police officers of local traders; whether this district inspector was removed from his previous station for over-zeal and indiscretion; whether, as this old flour cannot now be sold for human consumption, the Order will be withdrawn, so far at least as the old flour is concerned; and whether District Inspector Barrington will meanwhile be assigned for useful public work?
287W
Mr. ROBERTSI am not aware that large quantities of Government Regulation flow of the older standard of extraction are lying unsaleable in the hands of the Irish flour merchants. I am informed that the quantity in hand is negligible; and in view of the fact that the difference in percentage of extraction between the old and the present standard is inconsiderable, it would not appear necessary to take any special steps. Questions affecting the Royal Irish Constabulary should be addressed to the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.