asked the Taoiseach if the Government propose to take any effective steps to bring about a reduction in the present cost of living and if he will indicate to Dáil Eireann the date on which the reduction is to take effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Living.
I would again refer the Deputy to the very full replies I gave in this House to the questions on the same subject which were asked by him on the 1st December, 1948, and the 23rd March last.
As regard the second part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to the question which was asked by him on the 7th June last, in the course of which I explained that it was not practicable to indicate what price reductions would take place in any particular period ahead, but that the situation is being kept constantly under review by the Department concerned and the necessary action to effect reductions in the prices of commodities is taken immediately when the circumstances of the particular case justify that course.
I might add that the fact that the interim cost-of-living index (essential items) number for mid-August, 1950— the last figure available—was 100, as compared with the base of 100 for August, 1947, provides evidence of the success of the Government's efforts to keep down the cost of living, notwithstanding the devaluation of the £ in September, 1949, and other factors outside the Government's control.
That is a good case.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there is grave public uneasiness at the rising cost of living and that the public are apprehensive that through the neglect and the failure of the Department of Industry and Commerce to control prices and profits the cost of living may get outside the capacity of the ordinary people to meet in the very near future?
I am quite aware of the fact that the question of the cost of living is a very important and vital one. So is every member of the Government. I am not aware and do not admit that the Department of Industry and Commerce have been guilty or will be guilty of any neglect or failure to do what the Deputy suggests. I have given in the course of replies quite a large number of commodities and ranges of commodities which, through the operation of that Department and its officers, were controlled in their prices and in the rise of their prices. The fact that the situation has been pretty well kept under control is to some extent at least evidenced by the fact to which I have adverted in the concluding portion of my reply that the cost-of-living index number is 100 as against 100 in August, 1947.
I cannot accept the conclusions of the Taoiseach and may I ask the Taoiseach if he will at a very early date—say when we meet on next Wednesday week—provide public time for a motion of censure of the Department of Industry and Commerce?
That is a completely different question, which cannot be raised in that fashion.
Then I give notice that I will raise it at the end of Question Time, on the Order of Business.
Is the Taoiseach satisfied that there is sufficient control over the profits made by industries?
Was not the cost of laminated springs reduced?
We cannot have a debate.