asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that the price of flour in the provincial towns and rural areas is 3/10 per stone, while in Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Cork, Limerick and Waterford it is 3/6 per stone; and if he will state the reason for the difference, considering that the wages are much lower in the country towns and villages; and whether he is now prepared to have the price in the former areas reduced to the level of that in the cities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Flour.
I am aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the question. The difference in price is intended to cover the extra cost of carriage incurred by traders located outside the port areas mentioned. It has always been the practice to have a differential in price for this reason and it is not proposed to alter that principle.
All Parties agreed here last week that men in rural areas were very badly paid. It is a strange thing that in a county such as Wexford, where wheat is grown, the price of flour is 3/10 per stone, whereas in the cities where the cost of production and wages are higher, flour is sold at 3/6 per stone. Yet, in the place where I live, where the people have comparatively small wages——
Has the Deputy any question to ask?
I am asking a question. I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply. Is the Minister aware that the city workers are paid a higher rate for the manufacture of flour or, in other words, that in the country mills the mill workers are paid less? Why, therefore, should the price of flour be 4d. higher in the country areas? Why is it that the country people have to pay more for the flour than the city people?
The Deputy asked a question concerning the retail fixed price for flour sold in traders' shops.
Some of the flour manufactured in the country is sold at 6d. a stone higher than the price obtained in the city. Is the Minister aware of that?
Does the Minister suggest, taking Milford mills, in County Donegal, dealing with Donegal wheat, that the flour manufactured there can be sold cheaper in Dublin than in County Donegal?
I suggest that flour has always been sold in Dublin and in the main ports of the country cheaper than in any other part of the country.
Even in the town of Milford, which is just half a mile from a mill?
Yes. If Deputies want a level price it must be a higher price for these areas, and it would not mean a lower price for the rural areas. It would be a higher price for the port areas, which would be unjustifiable.