asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state whether there are any laws, regulations or orders operating at the present time fixing the retail prices in County Donegal of sugar, bread, flour and maize meal; and, if so, if he is in a position to take action in cases where there is charged in Donegal as retail prices 5½d. per lb. for sugar; 6d. for the 2lb. loaf; 19/- per cwt. for flour; and 13/- per cwt. for maize meal; also, if he will state what is the maximum retail price, if any, for each of these commodities in Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retail Food Prices in Donegal.
The maximum retail price of batch bread is regulated by orders made under the Bread (Regulation of Prices) Act, 1936. Retail prices of the other commodities referred to in the question are not, at present, regulated by statutory order. If the Deputy will furnish the names of the traders in Donegal charging 6d. per 2lb. loaf of batch bread, action will be taken by my Department. Action will also be taken regarding the other prices mentioned by the Deputy if particulars are furnished to my Department, and where, on investigation, it is found that the prices charged are unreasonable. A number of complaints have recently been received regarding the prices charged in Donegal for sugar, flour and maize meal, and the investigation of these complaints is proceeding. The present maximum price for batch bread delivered to customers in any place in the State is 11d. per 4lb. loaf or 5½d. per 2lb. loaf.