asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy whether CIE's buffet car prices are subject to any form of price control; and, if so, the rate of increase allowed over the last three years.
Written Answers. - CIE Buffet Car Prices.
473.
Catering establishments including CIE buffet cars are exempt from price control in respect of their catering activities. However sales of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages in the buffet cars are subject to the same price controls as apply generally to such goods.
The retail price of cigarettes, including those sold in CIE buffet cars, is fixed by the Maximum Prices (Cigarettes) Order. In the past three years there have been different rates of price increases for different brands of cigarettes, but in the case of standard tipped cigarettes the retail price increase was of the order of 25 per cent.
The increases allowed in drink prices over the past three years were:—
(1) 19 September 1977—Maximum Prices (Intoxicating Liquor) Order, 1977. Stout, Ale and Lager, 2p per pint. Whiskey, 1p per half-glass. Gin and Vodka, ½p per half-glass. (2) 27 July 1978—Maximum Prices (Intoxicating Liquor) Order, 1978. Stout, Ale and Lager, 2p per pint. Whiskey, Gin and Vodka, 2p per half-glass.