asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why, in view of the fact that potato prices fell in the period February, 1970, to February, 1971, the cost of potato crisps increased by 27 per cent over that period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Crisps.
43.
I understand that the price of potato crisps was increased earlier this year to facilitate conversion to decimal currency, but that the price increase was accompanied by a compensating increase in the weight of the package of crisps.
Surely the Minister is aware that potatoes are unsaleable this year? They are going for half the price they were going at in the last four or five years. Why should there be this 27 per cent increase in the price of crisps?
I have just stated there was a compensating increase in the weight of the packet of crisps.
In the price of crisps?
There was an increase in the weight of the package of crisps.
Does the Minister say that the increase in the weight was exactly proportionate to the increase in price of 27 per cent?
I am not saying that. There were certain other cost increases.
The position therefore is that the price of crisps has gone up by 27 per cent, the price of potatoes has gone down but that the cost per crisp has gone up proportionately more than the price of potatoes?
The price of the packet of crisps has gone up.
The price of the package has gone up by a greater amount than the weight. The price per unit of potato crisps has risen despite a decline in the price of potatoes. That is what the Minister is telling us.
Yes.
Will the Minister explain why this has happened? What is the price control section doing about it?
There are other price factors in the completed crisp besides the price of potatoes.
They must be very big factors.
There are various other factors such as the price of oil and paper.
Would the Minister like to give a detailed breakdown of costs before and after and circulate it to Deputies?
I would not be in a position to do that.
Why not?
Perhaps the Minister could tell me the percentage by which the packet of crisps has been increased?
I have not the percentage. There was a compensating increase in the weight of the package.
Is it anywhere proportionate to the 27 per cent increase in price?
It would be in proportion to it but I do not know what the proportion is. Is the Deputy looking for crisp answers?
Does the Minister agree that the use of the words "compensating" and "in proportion" are a bit out of line with their normal use in the English language?
I would be afraid to take the Deputy up on that.