asked the Minister for Finance whether he is satisfied that the cost of living has fallen to such an extent that he will not have to implement his Budget statement regarding the collection of excess profit tax.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Living.
I am not satisfied with the extent of the fall in the cost of living, but I am not without hope of securing such co-operation from the business community as will obviate resort to any measures of the kind referred to in the question.
Arising out of the reply given by the Taoiseach on behalf of the Minister for Finance, is he aware that it is a very well recognised fact that some manufacturers have even threatened the retailers that they will withdraw their supply if the retailers do not sell at the standard price?
If the Deputy will furnish particulars I will have the matter looked into further.
Will the Taoiseach, in any examination of this question that takes place, give due consideration to the necessity for reducing the cost of living to working-class consumers and ensure that priority will be given to the consideration of these inspections?
Undoubtedly.
Will the Taoiseach state, after the experience of the past six months, if there are any grounds which warrant the reasonable expectation of co-operation from industry?
I hope so.
Will the Taoiseach say how the Minister for Finance hopes to reduce the cost of living by 30 per cent., as undertaken by the Minister for External Affairs and the Deputies of the Clann na Poblachta Party?
The Deputy is expert at asking irrelevant questions.