asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that, prior to his recent orders fixing the price of compound feeding stuffs, makers of proprietary brands of compound meals were prepared to sell these meals at 18/- per cwt. delivered to the retailers, whereas the price fixed by the Minister of 20/- per cwt., plus cost of delivery from the manufacturers' premises to the retailers with 1/- per cwt. allowance for gross profit to the retailer has had the effect of increasing the price to the farmer by 2/- per cwt., while reducing the gross profit of the retailer to less than 5 per cent., and whether, in consideration of the serious difficulties with which both farmers and retailers in rural areas are at present faced, he will reconsider this price with a view to a more equitable adjustment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Compound Feeding Stuffs.
I am aware that although there were a few proprietary brands of compound feeding stuffs available at the price stated by the Deputy (18/- per cwt.) the general price level was very much higher and often for feeding stuffs of very inferior quality. I am also aware that ingredients were purchased by the manufacturers at widely varying prices, and the price (20/- per cwt. ex-mill or store) was fixed after the fullest consideration of all the available facts. In any event the price fixed is a maximum, and there is apparently no reason why the proprietary brands to which the Deputy refers should not continue to be sold at the price prevailing prior to the date of the order. I am not aware of any case in which the recent order has had the effect of increasing the price to the farmer and I consider that generally the order has led to a reduction in prices. I am satisfied that in all the circumstances the margin of 1/- per cwt. allowed to retail merchants is reasonable.