asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the excessive retail prices, having regard to the prices paid to the producers, charged in various parts of the country for eggs, fresh meat, bacon and milk; whether any representations have been made to him in regard to the matter and if he is prepared to make a submission to the Prices Commission requesting them to investigate the retail prices of these commodities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retail Prices of Commodities.
No representations have been made to me since the establishment of the Prices Commission as to excessive prices being charged in various parts of the country for eggs and milk. A complaint has recently been made as to prices charged for butchers' meat and bacon, and this complaint has been referred to the Prices Commission for investigation.
Does the Minister not propose to submit the prices of eggs and milk for the consideration of the members of the Commission?
The question of referring the prices charged for eggs and milk has not arisen as the result of complaints made. On the general question as to whether the prices charged for those products should be referred by me without any preliminary complaint, I am not prepared to make any statement. The Prices Commission have a number of investigations in progress at the moment, and I think it would be desirable that these investigations should be completed before new subjects are brought to their notice.
Is the Minister aware, for instance, that in November last eggs were being sold in some parts of the country at 9d. per dozen and retailed in certain houses in Dublin at 2/8 per dozen? Will he make inquiries, through the inspectors who are available in his Department, to find out whether there is such a difference to-day? If he is satisfied that there is, and that unfair charges are being made, will he at a later date submit those questions for the consideration of the Commission?
That is a separate question.
It is in the question. Has the Minister any inspectors available at the moment for making private inquiries and reporting to him on matters of this kind?
No.