asked the President if he will take steps to reduce the Tax paid on beer, porter, and stout in the Free State to the same level as that paid on the same goods in Northern Ireland and Great Britain, if he will take steps to bring about a conference between the brewers, the licensed traders and a Government representative with a view to reducing the pint of porter to sixpence, the Government, the licensed trader and the brewer sharing the reduction between them; if he will state whether the Food Prices Commission will make another effort to reduce the cost of living.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COST OF LIVING.
The Government fully realise the desirability of reducing taxation so far as such reduction is consistent with the financial needs of the country; but it is not possible, at this stage, to anticipate the proposals that may be laid before the Dáil by the Minister for Finance in his Budget statement for the forthcoming financial year.
Representatives of the Government have already discussed informally with parties concerned the feasibility of reducing the retail cost of a pint of porter to sixpence. It appears, however, that in most parts of the country porter is already retailed at this price, and that it is chiefly in Dublin that the price is higher. The question, therefore, does not call for an arrangement on a national basis. In Dublin, I am informed, individual establishments have recently made substantial reductions in the retail price of porter and stout, and this is an example that may be followed by retailers generally.
Various measures to reduce the cost of living have been under consideration, but the re-establishment of a Commission does not appear a particularly prompt or efficient method of securing he desired result. It has been ascertained, however, that discriminating purchasers have been able during recent weeks to obtain essential commodities at reduced prices, and there is evidence that retailers generally are recognising that they must adjust their business to the circumstances of the consumer. If the public is prepared to take trouble in the matter of making purchases the Government will consider the feasibility of assisting it by requiring every retailer of essential commodities to exhibit a list of his current prices. I am of opinion that if consumers use discrimination in buying, a substantial fall in the cost of living can be secured without drastic action by the Government.
The Deputy has probably overlooked the fact that a reduction has taken place in the price of bread in Dublin in conformity with the findings of the recent Commission.
Can the President inform the Dáil whether there have been any negotiations with the County Licensed Vintners' Association and the City Licensed Vintners' Association on the subject of the reduction of the prices of stout and porter, and, if so, what the result of these negotiations was?
The Licensed Grocers and Vintners' Association was not prepared to make any offer in the absence of a reduction by the Government in the duty and the brewers in their price. The Counties Licensed Grocers' Association was prepared to make a reduction, but not down to 6d. a pint, unless the duty and the brewers' prices were also reduced. The conclusion was reached that since it was mainly in Dublin that retail prices exceeded 6d. there was no strong case for a reduction in duty, that must apply throughout the Saorstát and cost the revenue a large sum.
Will the President circulate the addresses of these establishments that have reduced their prices?
The Deputy does not state to whom they are to be circulated, but if to the members of the Dáil only, I do not think they are large buyers.
I desire to ask the President if he has consulted with the brewers as to whether they have reduced their prices in accordance with the reduction in the cost of materials required by them. I would like to know from the President if he is aware that barley is being bought now at 18s. a barrel, and that when the price of drink was raised the brewers were paying 50s. per barrel for barley. I suggest to him that that is a good reason for inviting the brewers in to bear their share. I would like also to ask the President if he is aware that the duty is now twelve times more than what it was in pre-war days, and that it has been reduced in England?
I am aware of all that the Deputy has stated, and I am also aware that we have taken advantage of the advice that the Deputy gave us some months ago.
Mr. BYRNE
Did the President consult the brewers?
I said I was aware of the advice that the Deputy gave us some months ago and that advantage had been taken of having the conference that he mentioned.
Mr. BYRNE
What I desire to know is if the Government is going to do anything in this matter?
The Government has already done very much—much more than to talk about these matters. It is easy to talk.
Mr. BYRNE
I would like to see some results.