asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that there are complaints from various parts of the country that the prices of fresh meat are maintained at an unreasonably high level; whether these prices were reduced generally in consequence of the abandonment of the guaranteed price for fat cattle and whether he is prepared to request the Prices Commission to inquire into the present price of fresh meat.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fresh Meat Prices.
No complaints have been received by my Department to the effect that the prices of fresh meat are being maintained at an unreasonably high level and I have no information that prices generally were reduced in consequence of the abandonment of the guaranteed price for fat cattle. I do not propose to request the Prices Commission to inquire into the price of fresh meat at the moment.
Is the Minister aware that the price of fresh meat went up by 1d. to 2d. in the lb. as a result of the coming into operation of the guaranteed price under the Slaughter of Cattle and Sheep Bill, and is he prepared to have an inquiry into the present price?
Arising out of his reply, is the Minister aware that almost every commodity purchased by the producers of meat in this country has gone up from 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. as a result of his economic policy, for which Deputy Davin is largely responsible?