asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the reasons for each increase in the price of bread since March, 1957, including the recent increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bread Price Increases.
13.
An increase in the price of bread in May, 1957 followed the removal of the subsidy on flour. Bread prices were freed from control in August, 1957 and I am, therefore, not in a position to give the precise reasons for increases since then but I understand that they were due to increased costs of production. The decrease in the price of bread which took place in November, 1958 was I understand due to the increased use in that year of imported wheat for flour milling.
Is the Minister aware that the 2-lb. loaf has been increased by 5½d. since March, 1957? Could he tell the House what steps are being taken by his Department to see that there will be no further increase in the price of bread, having regard to the fact that bread is one of the main foods of our people?
That is a separate question.
How does the Minister reconcile the statement just made with the undertaking given by the Fianna Fáil Party that the price of bread would not be increased?
That matter does not arise.
Surely the price of bread and the failure of the Government to keep their election promises must come within the scope of this question.
The question of election promises does not arise.
May I inquire why the Government have failed in their duty to keep down the price of bread? Surely a reply to that question ought to be forthcoming. May I seek your permission to raise the matter on the Adjournment, Sir?
I shall communicate with the Deputy.