asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give an assurance that no increases in the prices of butter, flour and bread will be authorised without giving the Dáil an opportunity of considering the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter, Flour and Bread Prices.
Mr. Lemass
I would refer the Deputy to the procedure governing Price Orders which is set out in Section 8 of the Supplies and Services (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1946, and Section 9 of the Bread (Regulation of Prices) Act, 1936.
Mr. Lemass
The Minister cannot be unaware that the Dáil is likely to adjourn for some months and will he give an assurance to this House that no change will be made in regard to the prices of these commodities until the Dáil reassembles?
Having regard to the fact that the Deputy was a member of a Government which in 1952 increased the prices of tea, bread, butter, sugar and flour——
Mr. Lemass
Will the Minister answer my question?
(Interruptions)
Order!
In case the Deputy did not get the answer, having regard to the fact that the Deputy was a member of a Government which in 1952 increased the prices of tea, bread, butter, sugar and flour, I suppose the House will expect me to congratulate him on his belated concern about food prices. I do the Deputy the honour of not soiling the nobility of his thoughts by saying they are in any way related to the forthcoming by-election in Cork.
Mr. Lemass
Will the Minister answer my question? Having regard to the fact that the Dáil was given ample opportunity of discussing the proposals of the Government in regard to the commodities mentioned by the Minister, will a similar opportunity be given now?
Is the Deputy bursting now, as he was in Tralee, to have these prices increased?
Mr. Lemass
Are they going to be increased?
Will the Deputy wait and see?
Mr. Lemass
Is it possible to get any answer from the Minister?
Has the Deputy given up telling fortunes?
Mr. Lemass
Has the Minister given up answering questions?
I propose following the procedure set by the Government——
Mr. Lemass
Will the Minister stop niggling and answer the question?
Answer the question. Red herrings will not go down in Cork.