asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a reputable master baker is able to produce under trade union conditions and wages a loaf comparable in weight, taste and quality with any standard loaf produced by the other Dublin master bakers at a price which enables consumers to purchase bread for 7½d., i.e., 2¼d. less than the price sanctioned by him and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Production of Cheap Loaf.
I have no information as to the conditions under which bread is produced and sold by the firm referred to by the Deputy, but I am aware that in many parts of the country, including Dublin, bread is being sold at less than the maximum prices.
The prescribed maximum prices for bread are fixed in relation to the average cost of producing bread over the country as a whole. It is to be assumed that there are bakers who can produce bread at a figure below the average cost. I expect the lower production costs in all such cases to be reflected in lower selling prices.
I am not aware what the Deputy means by a "standard loaf"; but the maximum price for a batch loaf, when sold by a baker in his own shop, is 8¾d. (per 2 lbs.).
Is the Minister aware that the average master baker in Dublin and the firms who sell bread, sell a considerable amount of bread for greyhound feeding at as small a sum as 1d. per lb.? Is not that subsidised bread?
I have no information about that. I would be glad to get it.