asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there is a fixed price for spirits, wines and beers; if so, what these prices are; and if they apply equitably to all parts of the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liquor Prices.
38.
There are no fixed retail prices for spirits, wines and beers.
Would the Minister not agree that it would be advisable to have a fixed price in view of the fact that the turnover tax is likely to make a considerable impact on prices generally? To prevent their going haywire would the Minister not consider having fixed prices?
I am constantly giving consideration to that, but the Deputy will appreciate that the fixing of prices for the items mentioned in the Deputy's question is a very difficult problem.
If the Minister does not fix the prices, who else can? Is he not in effect saying that no matter what prices may be there is nothing he can do about it?
Supply and demand have a great control over prices.
Who else can control prices if the Minister does not?