asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the excessive profits which are being made by the flour-milling interests he will consider the taking of immediate steps to bring the industry under public control in the interest of the citizens.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Milling Profits.
The Government are of opinion that the price of flour is unduly high and propose to take measures which, it is expected, will have the effect of securing a reduction. I am not prepared to accept the implication in the Deputy's question that the high price of flour is due solely to excessive profits taken by flour-millers. It appears to be clear that other factors, including higher costs of production attributable to higher wages, the smaller size of the average mills, and the guaranteed price of Irish wheat, are operating to keep the price of flour in Ireland higher than in the United Kingdom. It is not intended to modify the Government's wheat production policy, and it is, therefore, clear that any plan which will secure a reduction in the price of flour must be designed to effect reductions in the other elements that enter into the cost of production as well as to keep millers' profits within reasonable limits. Proposals for legislation are being prepared and will be submitted to the Dáil when ready.
Is the Minister not aware that in the case of one Irish mill there has been an issue of its shares on the market twice within recent years and that the latest proposal is to sell these 5/- shares for 17/6 each? Will the Minister consider, in view of profits of that magnitude in the flour-milling business, some of which profits are made in this country, whether there is not a necessity for bringing the flour-milling industry under public ownership and control so that the necessary articles of food used by the people will not be made the subject or the means of amassing substantial profits by the flour millers?
Is the Minister aware that the price of shop flour in London last week was 21/- a sack for export business and that the same flour was 40/- a sack in Dublin?
No, but there is another question down which I will answer to-morrow.
Perhaps the Minister would prepare himself for answering that question by remembering that the quantity of flour that can be bought in London for 9/- costs 18/- here.
Is that a question?
No, but I am preparing the Minister for answering the question to-morrow.
That question cannot be asked now.
I was only just helping the Minister to answer it later.