asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that on Thursday last the price of flour was increased by 1/6 a sack; if this increase was preceded by other increases during the last few months totalling 6/- a sack; and, if so, whether he intends now to take any action to prevent the phenomenal advances in the cost of flour with which the consumer is threatened.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Flour Prices.
I am aware that the price of flour was increased by 1/6 a sack on Thursday, the 16th instant, and I am aware that there have been increases in the price of flour during the last few months. In replying to a previous question by the Deputy on the 15th instant, I informed him that competition between Saorstát mills was developing and that, therefore, it had not been considered necessary to implement the recommendations of the Prices Commission. I would, however, like to remind the Deputy that the cost of wheat is the most important factor in the price of flour and if the price of wheat continues to rise nothing can be done to prevent proportionate increases in the price of flour.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does he still persist in stating, as on Friday last, that the cost of living is still going down?
The cost-of-living index is going down.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does he seriously suggest to this House that a great part of the increase in the cost of flour which has taken place over the last six weeks is due to an increase in the price of wheat, when, as a matter of fact, it is due to an understanding arrived at between the Minister for Agriculture and the millers, who have deliberately increased the cost of flour with a view to concealing the repercussions of the impending cereals legislation which the Minister proposes to introduce?
The Deputy is misinformed as usual. The cost of flour in this country has not increased any more than in Great Britain.
I assert that that statement is absolutely without foundation and I also assert that the increase in the cost of flour is due to an understanding which has been arrived at between the Minister for Agriculture and the millers.
The increase in the cost of flour at Liverpool, Dublin and Belfast, from January 25th to May 3rd, was 4/- a sack in each case.
At the present time the cost of bakers' flour here is 39/- and in Liverpool it is 25/-.
The Deputy is completely misinformed.