asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that the fixed retail price of bran and pollard is at least 5/- a cwt. too high, and whether he will permit a free market in these commodities with a view to reducing the price to the consumers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Bran and Pollard.
The price of bran and pollard has to be considered in relation to the prices of wheat and flour, as well as the amount of subsidy payable by the Exchequer. A reduction in the price by 5/- per cwt., if not accompanied by an increase in the price of flour, would involve an increase in the subsidy by £350,000 in a year. Having regard to all the circumstances, I do not consider that the fixed retail price of bran and pollard is too high and, in view of the other factors involved, I am not prepared to permit a free market in these commodities.
Is the Minister aware that at no time pre-war did the price of bran and pollard exceed 50 per cent. of the price of flour? Are we to understand that the Minister is, in fact, subsidising the production of bread and flour out of the price of bran? If that is correct, does he realise that the effect of fixing so high a price for bran and pollard is to prevent sales? Very large stocks may be left on the hands of the millers, whereas a reduction of a couple of shillings, which is less than I asked, might expedite the sale of these commodities and, in the long run, facilitate the Minister's purpose in effectively subsidising flour and bread through the medium of these two commodities.
It is not correct to say that flour is being subsidised out of the price of bran. Both are being subsidised by the Exchequer. The price is fixed in relation to considerations other than those which would apply in normal times in the case of a free market. It would only be possible to provide a lower price for bran by increasing the subsidy or increasing the price of flour.
Would the Minister consult with the millers as to whether the purpose he has in mind would not be better served by a reduction of a couple of shillings in the price of these feeding stuffs which would put them into ready sale? At present, according to my information, they are cluttering up the mills because of the price chargeable for them.
The millers would, probably, agree with the Deputy. It is not with the millers I should have to consult but with the Minister for Finance.
The purpose is to got this stuff sold and revenue brought in to help to pay for wheat, flour and bread. At present, this stuff is being left on the millers' hands and would it not be better to fix a lower price which would put it into consumption?
A price was fixed which, having regard to the price of other feeding-stuffs, was regarded as reasonable.
But the Minister must sell the stuff.
The Deputy must not assume that it is not going to be sold.
Will the Minister look into that possibility?