asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that farmers are receiving £17 a ton for potatoes; and that the cost to Dublin housewives is £43 per ton to purchase the same potatoes; if he will explain the reason for the difference; and what action he intends to take to reduce the amount charged to the Dublin housewives for potatoes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Potatoes.
44.
A Prices Advisory Committee investigated potato prices, excluding prices paid to farmers which are outside the scope of the Prices Acts, towards the end of last year. They found that there was ample competition at all levels. They concluded that the prices charged for potatoes were fair and reasonable and that the methods of marketing potatoes did not contribute unnecessarily to the cost to the consumer. I accepted the Committee's findings.
I do not contemplate action on the lines mentioned by the Deputy.