asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the existing substantial profit margins on minerals and table-waters, he will make an Order to ensure that the recent budgetary increases on these commodities will be borne by the wholesale and retail distributors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Minerals and Table-Waters.
Minerals and table-waters have never been regarded as coming within the category of essential commodities for which Orders should be made fixing maximum retail prices.
The effect on the mineral water trade of the recent increase in the excise duty, and other increases in costs, was examined by the Prices Advisory Body which, having examined the matter, expressed the view that the circumstances did not disclose any reason which would warrant a change of practice in regard to minerals and table-waters.
Will the Minister inform the House when this inquiry took place by the Prices Advisory Body, why it was not held in public and what was the basis of the submissions of the people manufacturing the mineral waters?
That is a separate question.
With respect, it arises out of the question.
It does not relevantly arise out of the question on the Order Paper.
With respect, it arises out of the answer.
Question No. 3.