asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been called to the report of the Commission appointed by the British Government to inquire into food prices; whether he is aware that the recommendations of that Commission have been partly adopted by the British Government, and a Food Council established; whether it is the fact that subsequent to the establishment of the Food Council the price of bread in Great Britain has fallen to a greater extent than the price of bread in the Saorstát, and whether he is prepared to establish a Food Council for the Saorstát.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD COUNCIL.
I understand the facts to be as stated in the question, but the latest information available would suggest that the establishment of a Food Council does not entirely solve the problem of reductions in the cost of living.
The Executive Council is, however, prepared to move a Resolution in each House of the Oireachtas to the effect that it is expedient that a tribunal be established for inquiring into a matter of urgent public importance, namely, the cost of certain articles of general consumption.
Should that resolution be adopted by the Dáil and Seanad, it would then be possible to establish a Tribunal under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, and to confer on it powers to summon witnesses and to examine them on oath and to require the production of documents.
Will that Tribunal have a permanent existence, and will it have a permanent secretariat collecting information for it?
That, I presume, would depend upon the terms of the Resolution. I have not, as far as my Department has given any consideration to the matter, thought it necessary to decide now that a Tribunal of this sort should be established permanently and have a permanent secretariat.
In order that we may have more information on this matter, I beg to give notice that, on the adjournment to-night, I will raise the question of the British Commission on Food Prices and the control of food prices in An Saorstát.