asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the price of fresh meat has been increased by 4d. per lb. in many towns in the Midlands during the past few weeks and if the increase was sanctioned by him or if he will state what action he has taken or proposes taking in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Fresh Meat.
Fresh meat prices are not controlled and, therefore, the question of sanctioning increases by me does not arise. Since meat prices were decontrolled, the position has been kept under review, and I have not, as yet, any evidence that meat prices have moved out of line with cattle prices. As I have stated already, the reimposition of control will be considered if the circumstances appear to call for it.
Is the Minister defending this increase?
My information does not coincide with the Deputy's but there has been an increase in cattle prices and, in so far as I can ascertain from the information supplied to me as a result of departmental inspections, that increase in price has not, in some areas anyway, been passed on to the public, at least not by all shops.
Is it not an extraordinary coincidence that this increase in prices has been imposed in many towns in the Midlands including several in my constituency?
The Deputy is aware that this is the season of the year where meat prices are highest and that apart from any seasonal increase there has been an increase in the price of cattle.
Can the Minister give us details of the increase that has taken place?
The situation is that since the decontrol some shops have kept meat prices lower than the price of cattle would justify. If we had had control, there would have been a general increase, while the decontrol has resulted in the situation which is now developing.