asked the President of the Executive Council whether in view of the fact that some retailers are anticipating the Budget taxation, he will introduce the Bill for the control of prices at the earliest possible date.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CONTROL OF PRICES.
A Bill designed to control prices in a practical manner cannot be expected to include all commodities in which retailers deal. It is in the prices of essential commodities and their effect on the cost of living that the public is primarily concerned, and a Bill to control such prices needs very careful consideration if it is to prove effective. The Bill will be introduced as soon as the Government is satisfied that it provides the solution of this difficult problem that is most likely to operate successfully under the present conditions.
Does the President include boots as an essential commodity? Is it proposed to control the price of boots?
We have not yet made up the list as to what are really essential commodities.
Can the President give a short answer to the question in about two words? Does he mean that he is not going to introduce any Bill that he expects to be effective?
I do not think I will introduce the Bill. It will be a matter for the Minister for Industry and Commerce. I think Deputies are well aware of the difficulties in producing a measure of this sort designed to suit the needs of the moment. The Minister is considering it. He has got very sound advice on it. He has not yet been in a position to make his recommendations to us. That does not mean to say that he is not impressed with the gravity of the case and the necessity for the Bill, or for putting up a measure which will meet the case.
Is the President aware that the introduction of this Bill was promised before Easter? Are we now to understand that the Government has not yet made up its mind as to what are essential commodities and what are not?
The Bill was promised before Easter, but the Government has not had under consideration what are essential commodities or what are not. I believe the list is made out, but the case for including boots in the essential commodities has not yet come up.
Does the Minister remember that this was one of the Bills mentioned in the Governor - General's speech, the contention being that wages would be forced down by the Government on the assumption that this Bill was going to be brought into operation?
I do not think the Government ever applied themselves to forcing down wages. This is the first time I ever heard that they did such a thing.
They have been trying very hard in some Departments.
Ask the Minister for Local Government.
I do not know why the question should be put to me, then.