asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the amount by which the cost of an average size bottle of: (a) coke; (b) orange; (c) Lucozade; (d) Cidona; and (e) lemonade has increased from May 1977 to May 1981; and if he will make a statement on the alarmingly high level of increases in cost.
Written Answers. - Soft Drink Prices.
78.
It is assumed tha the Deputy is referring to the 6/7 fluid oz. size bottle of soft drinks. Between May 1977 and May 1981, the wholesale prices of this size bottle have increased as follows: Coke 6.6p per bottle; Orange and Lemonade 8.1p per bottle (leading brand); Lucozade 6.75p per bottle; Cidona 5.8p per bottle.
As the price of soft drinks at the retail level is not controlled and as soft drinks are available at different prices through a wide variety of different outlets, it is not possible to give the Deputy details of increases in retail prices during the period mentioned.
Concern has been expressed in certain quarters at the price of soft drinks for on-premises consumption in licensed premises, and the question of retail price control is under consideration by the National Prices Commission.