asked the Minister for Supplies if he has had under review the present controlled price of oats and the current price of oatmeal; and, if so, if he can state why oatmeal is allowed to reach the unreasonable price of 5/- per stone.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Oats.
The maximum prices of oatmeal are kept under review by my Department and in fixing them due cognisance is taken of the prices of oats. I am satisfied that the present prices are justified having regard to the price of oats and to manufacturing and distribution costs. I might add, for the Deputy's information, that the price of 21/- a barrel for oats, fixed by the Minister for Agriculture, is a minimum and not a maximum price, and that at present oatmeal millers are paying more than this price for suitable milling oats.