asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to various statements made by trade union officials, IFA spokesmen and trade representatives that the present price war in bread could result in the loss of many jobs in the food industry; and the action he proposes to take to protect those jobs.
Written Answers. - Bread Price War.
80.
Apart from any difficulties which the present price war may be creating in the industry, it has been apparent for some time that inefficiences and overcapacity also exist in the bread baking sector. While certain rationalisation and amalgamations have already taken place, some bakeries continue to operate with old equipment and out of date work practices. The safeguarding of jobs in the industry in the long-term can only be achieved by further rationalisation, the creation of more viable units with new technology and the introduction of more efficient distribution systems.