asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what means he has at his disposal to control the price of imported intoxicating liquor and non-alcoholic beverages and the price of other liquors and beverages, and if he considers these means to be sufficient to protect the public from further price increases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Liquors.
21.
Importers and wholesalers of intoxicating liquor and non-alcoholic beverages are required to notify me of any proposed increase in the margin of profit taken by them; and manufacturers of such drinks in this country are required to notify me of proposed increases in their prices.
Retail prices of all drinks were controlled until December last when, in consequence of devaluation, I removed this control from imported drinks. This action arose from the situation that while importers were free to pass on increased costs due to devaluation, retail prices could not be so increased.
Under the Prices Acts, I have adequate powers to investigate prices charged for drinks and to fix the price of those drinks.