asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the increase in the prices of meat dishes in hotels in the light of the reduced cattle prices prevailing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Dish Prices.
52.
No complaints have been received in my Department about recent increases in the prices of meat dishes in hotels. I should point out that there has in fact been an upward trend in cattle prices over the past few months. While this would be reflected in the price of meat, cost increases under other heads, such as wages and overheads, would have a more significant effect on the cost of hotel meals.
The Minister said that cattle prices would reflect the price increases in hotels. We did not notice this decrease when the price of cattle decreased. Would the Minister like to make a statement on that?
I can simply say this. When the price of cattle diminishes the price of meat diminishes also, but there is a time-lag. Last year I called for the pressure of public opinion to keep the fall in the price of meat in line with the fall in the price of cattle. It does not happen as quickly as it should and it takes the pressure of the public to make it felt.
For the Minister's information this does not happen.
The contrary is the truth.