asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received complaints from housewives concerning the price which they are paying for fish at retail level which shows an inordinate profit margin as compared with the price quoted on the Dublin market for the same fish.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Prices.
66.
I have received very few complaints with regard to retail prices of fresh fish. When comparing prices for whole fish on the Dublin Wholesale Market with retail prices in shops, it is necessary to take into account the loss in weight due to filleting, handling and distribution costs, and the labour and overhead costs of wholesalers and retailers. I propose, however, to ask the National Prices Commission to have a comprehensive study of fish prices carried out as soon as possible.
I have had complaints from producers and consumers about this. A lady from Cork wrote to me recently—I can give the Minister a copy of the letter if he wishes—about the price she had to pay in comparison to what was quoted on the Dublin Fish Market that morning. The Killybegs producers complain of the price they get when they hear what retailers are charging. The National Prices Commission should look at this gap.
I notice from my files that I have received only two complaints in the last six months. I have always told Deputies that I am happy to have such things brought to my attention and investigated. As regards discrepancies in prices, it is only fair to say that there is a weight loss of between 45 to 50 per cent when fish are filleted.
I agree.
This is a trade in which there are considerable losses due to spoilage. The annoyance and alarm on the part of either the primary producer or the housewife is misplaced. On the other hand, there is genuine inefficiency and, to some extent, excessive profit margins in the fish distribution area. It is for this reason that I am having it investigated.
Will the Minister agree that the law of supply and demand plays an important part?
Yes. If we could persuade people to eat more fish that would be desirable.