asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the recent increase in the price of the loaf from 6d. to 9d. is causing considerable hardship to the citizens especially the unemployed and the lowly paid workers and, if so, whether it is proposed to reduce the price of the loaf by the reintroduction of the flour subsidies.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Loaf.
The Deputy does not appear to be aware that a sum of £5,386,000 is being provided in the current financial year to subsidise flour and bread prices. A reduction of 3d. in the price of the 2-lb. loaf, with a corresponding reduction in flour prices, would cost an additional £6,480,000 which could only be made available by heavy increases in taxation and which it is not proposed to introduce.