asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the prices of (a) bakers' flour and (b) shop flour on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st, 1934, January 1st and April 1st, 1935, and if he will state further the prices of the several varieties of wheat used in Irish mills on these respective dates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Flour.
I have no official information as to the prices charged for bakers' flour and shop flour on the dates named in the question; neither have I any official information as to the prices paid for the various varieties of wheat used in Irish mills on these dates.
Is the Minister aware that the cumulative effect of the cereals legislation is that the price of flour in this country to-day is approximately 10/- a sack higher than it would be if there was free importation of that commodity, and will he take steps to see that the Irish millers bring their prices more or less into conformity with the prices ruling under the conditions I have mentioned?
The Deputy's information, as usual, is incorrect.
Does the Minister suggest that this information is not available to the Food Prices Commission?
The Food Prices Commission, on this subject, have concluded their investigation and have published their report.
Would they not be in possession of the information asked for?
No, but they would be in a position to get it when investigating flour prices.
Is there any restriction on flour millers starting out if there is not adequate competition?
At present there is adequate competition.
Is the Minister aware that flour at the top price of 35/- to 36/- a sack is being sold in this State while the same qualities are selling in Liverpool and Belfast at 25/- and 26/-?
I refer the Deputy to the Food Prices Commission.
Which is not now sitting.