asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that on May 27th the price of bread was increased by one halfpenny per 4 lb. loaf; whether he is aware that the master bakers allege that this increase is due to several recent increases in the price of flour, and whether he is now in a position to indicate what steps are being taken to ascertain whether the present price of flour is unreasonably high, and whether there is any justification for the present price of bakers' bread.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Bread.
I am aware that the price of bread was increased recently by ½d. per 4 lb. loaf. I am not aware that the master bakers allege that the increase was made to compensate for the several recent increases in the cost of flour. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question which he addressed to me on this subject on the 15th May. The Prices Commission is at present making an investigation into the prices charged for bakers' bread.
Will the Minister say what is the cause of the increase in his opinion?
That is a separate question.
Is the Minister aware that, within the last week, bread has been increased by 1d. per 4 lb loaf in many districts throughout the country, including Limerick City and other places?
No.
Is the Minister aware that during the last three or four months, the price of bakers' flour has increased by 9s. per sack in this city?
No.
The Minister does not seem to know much.