asked the Minister for supplies if, in the likely event of flour and other ingredients reaching a level of price which will necessitate an increase in the production costs of bread, he will consider taking steps to peg the price of the loaf so that the cost of bread will not be advanced to the public, and the baker will be in a position to produce and sell without serious loss on his output.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Bread.
I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the matter raised in the Deputy's question.
Is the Minister considering the taking of any steps in the matter, because it is a matter which will have to be considered?
All relevant matters are under consideration.
It should be done in time.
asked the Minister for Supplies if representations have been made to him on behalf of the bakery trade to the effect that it is no longer possible to produce batch bread at an economic price within the scale of the formula adopted in 1937 owing to the increased prices of ingredients and materials other than flour, and owing to the higher ratio of overhead costs due to lowered output, and if he will arrange for an alteration in the formula on which the present price is based.
Representations have been received on behalf of the bakery trade from the Guild of Irish Bakers and from the Irish Association of Master Bakers along the lines indicated in the Deputy's question, and consultations between my Department and these associations are at present proceeding. I am not in a position to foreshadow the result.