asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that the recent Order controlling the price of eggs is giving dissatisfaction throughout the country, and if he has received representations from the Cork Chamber of Commerce and other bodies pointing out the effect of fixing a much higher price for eggs in Dublin than in the rest of the country; and whether he is now prepared to amend the Order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Eggs.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he has seen representations from the Cork Workers' Council that a serious egg shortages had occurred in Cork City consequent upon the retail price of eggs being controlled at 3d. per dozen more in Dublin than in Cork, the differentiation in price being responsible for the diversion to Dublin, where buyers stand to make a profit of 7/6 per case more than they would get in Cork, the rail charges being only 1/6 per case of 36 dozen; if he is aware that by reason of the controlled price workers, invalids, hospitals and institutions are so deprived of this necessary food; and, if so, if he will state what action he is taking in the matter.
I will take questions 7 and 8 together. I am not aware that the recent Order controlling the price of eggs is giving dissatisfaction throughout the country. Eggs are always scarce at this time of the year, and the Order was made so as to prevent an abnormal increase in the price to the consumer. In making the Order I made provision for the usual difference in price which I was advised always operated as between Dublin and other places. I received certain representations suggesting that eggs were being diverted to Dublin from other districts, and that the maximum price in Cork should be increased. I have no evidence that such diversion has occurred, and I am not prepared to accept the suggestion that the price in Cork should be increased.
Mr. Cosgrave
May I ask the Minister if he received a letter from wholesalers informing him that diversion of eggs had taken place by reason of the difference in price?
I stated that, so far as the inquiries which I made have revealed the position, there has been no such diversion.
Mr. Cosgrave
Is the Minister aware that Cork Workers' Council stated that there was such diversion, and that the wholesalers supplemented that statement?
I find it impossible to understand why, if there has been diversion to Dublin, it should be from Cork alone, and that no such reports have been received from any other part of the country.
Mr. Cosgrave
Is the Minister aware that the cost of transit from Cork to Dublin is less than the difference in the price of eggs and, consequently, it pays to transfer them to Dublin?
The difference which has been provided for in the Order has always prevailed between Cork and Dublin. So I am advised by persons who are engaged in this trade and by officials of the Department of Agriculture.
Is the Minister aware that within the week following the imposition of control, there was an abnormal shortage of eggs, and that within the past week 1,000 eggs were dumped in one Dublin street because they were held up too long?
I am not so aware, but when Deputies refer to a shortage of eggs they must take into account that if the price had not been controlled, prices would probably have risen and there would not be the same demand. Presumably, the fixed price has created a greater demand, but if higher prices had operated there would be a limited demand, which would have possibly obviated complaints of shortage.