asked the Taoiseach if he will recommend to the Government the setting up of a special subcommittee from amongst its members charged with the duty of examining forthwith the present steep rise in the cost of living, and of making recommendations as to the method of controlling it, whether by the establishment of a prices tribunal or otherwise, such recommendations to be given effect to within one month from this date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Living.
Without accepting the assumption regarding the cost of living which is contained in the Deputy's question, I may say that the Government have been carefully reviewing the existing methods of price control with the object of making such improvements in those methods as may be practicable and of satisfying the House and the public that every step that can be taken to prevent avoidable increases in the prices of essential commodities will be taken. A statement on the further steps which the Government propose to take in respect of price control will be made to the House on the Second Stage of the Supplies and Services (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1946 (Continuance) Bill, 1950.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the public are demanding effective and immediate steps against the increases in prices—the unjustifiable increases which, according to the Taoiseach's own statement, have taken place?
I suppose the public and the Taoiseach are aware also that the Deputy's Party promised to reduce the cost of living by 50 per cent.?
That is not a question.
And which we could do, if the Clann na Poblachta economic policy were put into effect. Make no mistake about that.
In reply to Deputy Lehane's question and ignoring the interruption by Deputy Burke——
Wisely.
I refer the Deputy to the fact that we are taking practical steps in recognition of the public demand for an investigation of prices.