asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the steps he has taken since 5th July, 1977, to investigate middlemen's margins in areas in which there is an inordinate difference in the price obtained by the producer for certain products and the price paid by the housewife for the same.
Written Answers. - Price Control.
135.
The National Prices Commission, at my request, have commissioned studies of margins on fish, poultry and fruit and vegetables. The studies on poultry and fruit and vegetables are already in progress and the results should be available in the near future. I understand that the investigation of fish margins has recently been commissioned and is due to start shortly. The Deputy will also be aware that in October last I indicated in a press release that the commission were examining retailers' margins on beef, mutton and lamb and I requested meat retailers not to increase their prices for these commodities pending the completion of the commission's investigation. I am informed that this investigation has now been completed and I am awaiting the commission's recommendation in the matter. An examination by the commission of the margins on dried fruit is also in its final stages.
136.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the plans he has for restructuring the Prices Commission.
At a meeting which I had with the National Prices Commission on 27th July, 1977, the possible restructuring of that body was discussed, together with detailed proposals for more rigorous examination of price increase applications. I am at present examining the commission's response to my proposals and until a decision in the matter is taken by me, in consultation with my colleagues in the Government, it would not be appropriate for me to make any statement in the matter.
137.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the steps he has taken to control prices since 5th July, 1977.
The price control system which operated prior to 5th July last has continued to operate since then. I had, however, a meeting with the National Prices Commission on 27th July, 1977, at which I put forward detailed proposals for more rigorous examination of price applications. I am at present considering the commission's response to these proposals and after consultation with my colleagues in the Government, I hope to lay down revised guidelines for the purposes of price control.