asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Order controlling the prices of meat has had the effect of actually raising the prices of meat in several rural areas, where prices much lower than those in Dublin prevailed; and if he will reconsider the scope of the Order, so as to confine its operation, for the present, to the county boroughs and large towns.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Meat.
The Fresh Meat (Maximum Prices) Order, 1947, fixes maximum prices not minimum prices for fresh meat. Consequently if certain victuallers in rural areas have misinterpreted the Order and increased their prices to the maximum rates prescribed in the Order they should forthwith reduce their prices to the level which current market prices for live stock and working costs justify.
When the question of fixing maximum prices for meat by Order was under consideration, I was fully aware of the difficulties which would arise from the variety in trade practices and local conditions in different parts of the country. The Order has been framed, however, on a sufficiently broad basis to ensure that it will operate reasonably well throughout the State as a whole and that in general it will have the effect of reducing prices to a reasonable level.
I consider that it is desirable that the price of meat should be controlled throughout the State as a whole and consequently I am not prepared to accept the Deputy's suggestion that the Order should be limited in its application to the county boroughs and larger towns.