asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received a resolution from the Cavan Urban District Council regarding the high price of flour and whether he proposes to take any action to have it reduced to a more reasonable level.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Flour.
I have received the resolution referred to in the question. As stated by me in reply to questions in this House on 31st October and on the 5th instant, I have secured an assurance from the Irish Flour Millers' Association that the prices charged for flour were not and would not be in excess of prices calculated on a formula recommended by the Prices Commission, and until I have reason to think that this assurance is not being observed, I do not propose to interfere by legislation with flour prices.
Does the Minister consider an increase of 8d. per stone to consumers a reasonable price?
I have nothing to add to my answer.
Will the Minister take any steps to ensure that the increase of 8d. will not be allowed to continue?
Will the Minister consider the resolution received in regard to the matter from my area?
The price of flour was investigated by the Prices Commission which prepared a formula on the basis of which they recommended that the price of flour should be decided. So long as the flour millers fix prices in accordance with that formula, I do not propose to intervene.
Would the Minister give any indication as to what was responsible for the increase in the price of flour?
That is a separate question.
Will the Minister say whether the present prices are fixed in accordance with the formula drawn up by the Prices Commission?
So I have been informed.
Are we to understand that the high price of flour will continue?