asked the President if he has given consideration to the present high prices of commodities in the Saorstát as indicated by the index figures of the cost of living, and the index figures of wholesale prices, and whether he will arrange for the appointment of a committee or commission with authority and powers similar to those possessed by the committee set up by the British Government, in order that publicity may be given to the excessive profits enjoyed by certain middlemen and other intermediaries between the producers and consumers.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COST OF LIVING.
The Minister for Industry and Commerce is considering this matter, and in the meantime will be glad to receive from the Deputy the evidence on which his assertion that "excessive profits are enjoyed by certain middlemen and other intermediaries" is based.
Arising out of that reply, I would suggest that it is unreasonable that I should be asked to give evidence. It is current comment that there are unreasonable prices charged and that profiteering is going on, and for that reason I ask that a Commission of this kind be set up.