asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Order fixing maximum prices for meat has resulted in serious loss to sheep farmers, and if he will take steps to have the Order revised or abolished.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maximum Meat Prices.
I am not aware that the position is as suggested by the Deputy. The maximum prices fixed for mutton in the Fresh Meat (Maximum Prices) Order, 1947, are related to the market prices realised for prime quality wethers and hoggets during the period immediately preceding the making of the Order. The market price of sheep at this period was much in excess of the pre-war price and was considerably higher than the general level of prices during the past few years. I am of opinion, in the circumstances, that the statutory control of mutton prices does not operate to preclude sheep farmers from earning a reasonable rate of remuneration, and I am not prepared either to discontinue control or to authorise an increase in the retail price of mutton.