asked the Taoiseach the increases in the prices of meat, bread and butter since 31st March, 1966.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commodity Price Increases.
4.
Particulars of the trends in average retail prices of commodities are derived from the returns collected for the consumer price index which is calculated in respect of mid-February, mid-May, mid-August and mid-November each year. The percentage increases in the items specified between mid-February, 1966, and mid-February, 1971, were as follows:—
|
Percentage Increases |
|
|
Meat |
35.3 |
|
Bread |
44.2 |
|
Butter |
7.7 |
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that these increases are the biggest that have taken places since the foundation of the State? Can he say whether the Government have any policy now to deal with the increased cost of living and the effect it is having on the poor people of this country?
I would not accept that under any circumstances. We are experiencing a backlash of the inflationary situation being experienced all over the world.
The Parliamentary Secretary will agree that the Government have been pursuing an open inflationary policy during the past three years and there is no use in blaming the rest of the world for what his own Government are doing?
Order.
I am not blaming the rest of the world.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that during the past year the Government have been selling butter to Brazil at 3d. per lb. and that there has been no percentage increase in this price?
I am not so aware.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary be able to hazard a guess as to what the percentage increase will be if Ireland's application to the EEC is accepted?
That is a separate question.
It relates to the cost of living.
The Deputy should read the White Paper on the EEC.
It is in the White Paper if the Deputy can take time to read it.
Perhaps the Taoiseach should ensure that the Parliamentary Secretary reads it because the Parliamentary Secretary is supposed to supply information to the House.