asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state at what price per lb. is washing soda to be sold in view of the price of 1/6 per stone fixed by Order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Washing Soda.
The price per lb. is a price calculated at the rate of 1/6 per stone, any fraction of a penny being regarded as one halfpenny.
Is the Minister aware that a price of 1/6 per stone represents 1.285071428 (recurring decimal) pence per lb., and that the difficulty presented in charging that sum across the counter is substantial? Is the Minister aware that the Order specifically prohibited anyone from charging more than that figure when the price of 1/6 per stone was fixed?
I do not think the Deputy read the Order.
I read it very carefully.
Article 4 of the Order specifically provides for the circumstances in which a fraction of a penny might come into the calculation, and lays it down that such a fraction of a penny would be calculated as a halfpenny.
In this case .28571428d. is to be regarded as a halfpenny?
Yes, and if the Deputy read the Order he would not have to ask the question.