asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the increases in bread and flour prices he will constitute a Prices Advisory Committee under the Prices Act, 1958 to enquire into and report to him as to whether such increases are warranted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bread and Flour Prices.
64.
I do not propose to constitute a Prices Advisory Committee to enquire into and report on the recent increases. I consider that in present circumstances it is better to continue to rely on the prices of flour and bread being settled by competition rather than by official regulation. I am keeping the situation under close observation, however, and I will, of course, use the powers conferred on me by the Prices Act, 1958, if circumstances should seem to me to arise which justify such a course.
Does the Minister not feel that this is a very appropriate occasion to use the powers vested in him under the 1958 Act to inquire into the price of flour and bread? I do not know what information is available to the Minister at the moment or what inquiries he has made but he should deem it advisable to set up a Prices Advisory Committee now where all interests, including the consumers, would have an opportunity of making their case. Could I press the Minister, in view of the recent increases, to reconsider the matter and to set up a committee to report back to him as to whether or not the prices are warranted?
The recent increases have been attributable to the increase in the native grist caused by the requirement on the millers to use 300,000 tons of native wheat in the production of flour as compared with 260,000 tons last year. That is a reason for the recent increase. There are other considerations as well which lead me to conclude that such inquiry as suggested by the Deputy is not appropriate just at this time.
That is not the whole story. The Minister should not be averse from availing of all the powers he has under the Act to get all the information and to give all interested parties an opportunity of making their case.
The Deputy is making argument, not asking a question.
With your permission, I propose to raise this matter on the adjournment.