asked the Minister for Supplies whether a standard price has been fixed for white flour, and, if not, whether he proposes to fix a price so as to prevent profiteering in the sale of such flour.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of White Flour.
The manufacture of white flour, as ordinarily understood, is prohibited except under permits which are confined to altar bread, baby foods, semolina and baking powder. The quantity produced under the authority of such permits is very small.
A standard price has been fixed by order for all flour produced in the country. The price is 52/6 per sack of 280 lbs. free on rail at the port centres of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, with an addition of the cheapest transport costs in the case of other areas.
My Department will investigate any complaints of alleged profiteering in the sale of flour. Two complaints have been received which, on investigation, disclosed no undue profit for the retailer.
Will the Minister say if 52/6 is a reasonable price for a sack of flour—I presume he means the 12-stone sack?
The sack contains 280 lbs.
Is the Minister not aware that a price as high as 6/6 a stone has been charged for white flour brought in from the Six-County area? Is it possible that the Minister's inspectors are unaware of that fact? Are any steps going to be taken to protect consumers against the flour being sold at that exorbitant price?
Any complaint of over-charging will be fully investigated by my Department if the particulars are submitted.
Then, if the Minister will send an inspector to Moore Street and another to the town of Naas, he will find ample evidence there of the high prices charged.
If the Deputy has had in his possession any particulars relating to overcharging, he should have sent them into the Department before this.
Everybody appears to know of the overcharging in regard to flour except the Minister's inspectors. Somebody should whisper something to them on the matter.
It is the duty of Deputies to bring information in regard to matters of that kind—that is, overcharging—to the notice of the responsible authorities. Deputies who fail to do that cannot criticise my Department if they in turn do not take action. The Department can act only on information supplied by citizens.
On what day of the week will the Minister's inspectors wake up and see what is happening around them?
It is about time the Deputy woke up.
Why, every dog in the street knows what is happening in this connection and yet the inspectors do not seem to know anything about it.
The Deputy also has a duty in this matter. If he is aware that there is over-charging and does nothing about it, he is failing in his duty.
Everyone knows that the people are being charged excessive prices for white flour—everyone, with the exception of the Minister's inspectors, whose duty it is to look after the interests of the people in these matters.