asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the last date on which he authorised hotels and restaurants to increase the prices charged by them for meals, and the amount of the increase so authorised; and whether, in view of the steps taken in the Supplementary Budget to reduce the cost of certain foodstuffs, he will again review the prices charged for meals in hotels and restaurants so as to secure a reduction in such charges corresponding to the reduction of 13.2 points in the cost of living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotel and Restaurant Charges.
On the 10th instant, because of increased costs due to higher wages and other factors, I authorised certain restaurants to increase the prices of á la carte items by 10 per cent. and table d'hôte meals by 6d. per meal. The question of securing a reduction in the prices charged at present as a result of the reductions in prices of foodstuffs referred to by the Deputy is being examined. An increase of 10 per cent. in hotel charges was authorised by the Irish Tourist Board early this year. Since then the wages of hotel employees have been increased and it will be necessary for the board to take into consideration such increases in costs in conjunction with the reduction in the prices of foodstuffs.