asked the Taoiseach if he will state the cost of the 2 lb. loaf of bread (i) in March, 1957 and (ii) now.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Bread.
2.
The only retail prices available to the Central Statistics Office are those ascertained for the quarterly Consumer Price Index inquiries and these relate to a 2 lb. loaf of a quality in substantial demand in the areas reported. The national average retail price of the 2 lb. loaf of bread thus ascertained on 11th February, 1957 (the date nearest to March, 1957 in respect of which the index is calculated) was 9.09 pence, while on 16th November, 1959 (the latest available date) the price was 14.59 pence. The effect of the increase in the price of bread advertised to become operative on the 16th November, 1959 may not be fully reflected in the prices returned at the November inquiry, which related to the same date.
May I ask the Taoiseach how he reconciles that reply with the Fianna Fáil undertaking given at Belmullet and elsewhere in March, 1957, that the price of bread would not be increased?
That is a separate question.