asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, in regard to the items so far investigated by him to estimate the justification for price increases, what has been (a) the average percentage price increase, (b) the highest percentage increase, and (c) the lowest percentage increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Increases.
59.
As indicated by the Taoiseach in reply to Questions Nos. 7 and 8 on to-day's Order Paper, the rise in the Consumer Price Index between mid-February and mid-May, 1964 was less than 4 per cent. I am satisfied, from the reports made to me on the searching investigations carried out in respect of the commodity prices so far covered, that unwarranted increases have not been made by the Irish manufacturers and producers concerned and that there is adequate competition at the retail end. It is a matter for the consumers to take advantage of this situation.