asked the Minister for Supplies if in view of the difference between the prices paid for many articles of food by the consumer and those received by the producer, he will institute a complete investigation of the profits being made in the distribution and processing of all essential foodstuffs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Prices.
The profits made in the distribution and processing of essential foodstuffs have been under investigation in my Department since the beginning of the emergency. Most essential foodstuffs are the subject of Orders fixing maximum prices at various stages of distribution, and the margins provided in these Orders were arrived at only after full investigation of the profits allowable for processing and wholesale and retail distribution. Presumably the Deputy's question relates to commodities not at present subject to Maximum Prices Orders, but I am unable to give him a fuller reply without knowing the commodities he has in mind.
As a Deputy for Dublin, is the Minister not aware that there is a very wide margin in the cost of agricultural produce in the Dublin market, between what producers receive and what consumers have to pay? Does that not merit inquiry?
I do not think the Deputy has the facts. I doubt if there is very much of a margin between the price received by producers and the price paid by consumers when the reasonable expenses of persons engaged in distribution are allowed.