asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether he proposes to make an Order authorising an increase of the present price of batch bread, and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Batch Bread.
An increase in the price of bread is now warranted, but how that increase is to be apportioned is at present being examined in conjunction with the interested parties.
Does the Minister not think that the people of this country who will have to pay the increased price are entitled to a fuller statement from him than that which he has just given?
They will get a fuller statement and, unlike many of the statements given by the Deputy, the fuller statement will be an accurate statement.
Will this fuller statement embody particulars in regard to how much the increase is; how much the people of this country will have to pay per year in increased bread prices; what the effect upon the cost of living index figure will be; how much of the increased amount paid for bread will go to bakery workers; and, further, will the increase apply to Dublin only or will it be generally applicable throughout the country?
The Deputy has already published the answers to all those questions in the Irish Press.
I know that, but I want them officially confirmed.
I am afraid that the Deputy will not be able to get official confirmation of what appeared in the Irish Press. He will get a full statement, and the country will get a full statement, covering all the matters when the position has been considered.
Will that statement be made to the Dáil?
It will be published officially.
Is the Dáil not entitled to be informed and to be given an opportunity of discussing the question?
The Dáil will be informed but, if I am in a position to issue that information which the Deputy is so anxious to secure, on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning next, I am not going to withhold it until the Dáil meets next week.