asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that prices of shot-gun cartridges have been substantially increased, and, if so, whether the approval of his Department was sought for the increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Price of Shot-gun Cartridges.
I am aware that the prices of shot-gun cartridges produced in this country were increased as from the 31st March, 1956, and I understand that the increase was due to increases in raw material costs. The new prices are in accordance with an undertaking given by the manufacturers to the Prices Advisory Body in November, 1951, not to increase the retail prices of their shot-gun cartridges above the level of British retail prices, exclusive of purchase tax. The question of seeking my specific approval for the increase did not, therefore, arise.