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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Apr 1948

Vol. 110 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased Prices and Cost-of-Living Index Number.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the effect on the Cost-of-Living Index Number of the increases in meat prices which he has sanctioned.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the commodities, the prices of which are taken into account in the compilation of the Cost-of-Living Index Number (a) for which he has sanctioned increased prices during the first quarter of the present year, as compared with the first quarter of 1947; (b) for which he has sanctioned lower prices during the same period, and (c) the actual average price in each case in this year and in 1947.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 59 together.

The only variation in the price of a commodity having a bearing on the Cost-of-Living Index Number which I authorised during the quarter to the 31st March last was in respect of beef. The increase in that case was equivalent on an average to slightly more than 1d. per lb. above the prices fixed by an Order made on the 8th November, 1947, and the effect on the Cost-of-Living Index Figure was to cause an advance of approximately three-fourths of one point. In approving of this increase in meat prices, I had regard to a promise made by Deputy Lemass to a deputation representative of victuallers which he received as Minister for Industry and Commerce on the 12th November, 1947. On that occasion in November, the deputation were informed that, if cattle costs increased, the revision of beef prices would be considered and when I met a similarly constituted deputation on the 15th March last I was reminded of the previous promise as a reason, amongst others, for bringing beef prices into line with the seasonal advance which had occurred in the market price of cattle. The average price for prime cattle on the Dublin Cattle Market during 1947 was 77/- a cwt. in the first quarter, 102/6 a cwt. in the second quarter, 85/6 a cwt. in the third quarter, and 83/- in the fourth quarter. The average price during the first quarter of 1948 was 90/3 a cwt. and on the 7th April, 1948, was 106/6 a cwt.

The average controlled price of beef in the Dublin area at present is 1/10½d. per lb. and, in the rest of the country, is 1/9½d. per lb. The average price in the Dublin area in February, 1947, was 1/7 per lb., but there is no information about the February, 1947, price in the rest of the country as there was then no price control for meat.

Do I understand the Minister to say that he has made no Order yet affecting any commodity which may reduce the cost-of-living index figure?

The Deputy understands exactly what I read out.

Is that what the Minister said?

I thought the Minister was going to reduce the cost of living.

The only way in which I could do that would be by breaking the word of my predecessor.

In considering the promise given by the Minister's predecessor in regard to the price of meat, has the Minister had regard to the position which has now arisen in the City of Dublin where working-class families find it impossible to provide themselves with meat on more than half the days of the week? Is that particular aspect of the matter with regard to consumption and the trade generally receiving consideration?

I assure the Deputy that that aspect is very much present to my mind.

But the Minister is hiding behind his predecessor.

The Minister is not hiding behind his predecessor in keeping to the promises made in January last.

Did the Minister promise to reduce the cost of living?

The Minister will carry out any promises made, despite the Deputies in opposition.

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