asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has requested any other manufacturer or retailer of consumer goods, apart from Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, to withdraw proposed price increases pending investigation; in particular, if he has asked any private enterprise organisation to withdraw price increases in this way; and, if so, whether they have acceded to his request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Increases.
40.
The answer is no.
In view of the Minister's good example in asking Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann not to increase the price of sugar pending investigation, would he consider whether the case of flour might not warrant similar action? Would he not consider getting the millers to refrain from increasing the price of flour until there has been an opportunity of investigation?
There is a slight difference in that Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann is a State-sponsored company and the appropriate Minister has certain powers in relation to such companies. I can assure the Deputy that I am very actively investigating increases in bread and flour prices.
Whether private or public, or semi-public, would the Minister not ask the millers to hold their hand, pending his investigation?
The millers are being interviewed almost at this moment or, if not now, will be interviewed in a day or two in my Department. We have already had some consultations with them. I can assure the Deputy that the results, whatever they may be, of the investigation will not be long delayed.
Had the Minister any legal power to direct the Sugar Company to withdraw the increase, or was it only a request?
I am not the Minister directly responsible for the finances or the operation of the Sugar Company. I have no power in relation to them.
I appreciate that the Minister has not that sort of responsibility but does he know, as a member of the Government, whether there was power to direct the Sugar Company not to increase the price?
I do not believe there is power.
Therefore, it was a request?
Yes.
Would the Minister not consider making a similar request to the flour millers?
I am considering all aspects of the case but I want to ensure that, if a request is made, it will be answered in the affirmative.
Does the Minister anticipate his investigation will be completed soon?
Yes, I do.
The Minister referred to the fact that because this was a State company, he or the Government was in a position to interfere. If that applies—and rightly in the case of this company—why does it not also apply to CIE which is another State company——
That is another question.
——where an increase took place and there was no intervention of any kind by the Minister.
The simple answer is that the increase was made by the Sugar Company without an indication as to what was the cause of the increase. The cause of the increase in the case of CIE was well known.
What was it?