asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state why the price of jam and marmalade has been decontrolled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Jam and Marmalade Prices.
The production of jams and marmalade has declined for some years past and current output is considerably below the capacity of the factories. There is every evidence of keen competition amongst the manufacturers for the market available and I am satisfied that they will not be able to dispose of their output except at prices which are not higher then would be justified by production and distribution costs. Some increase of prices would, however, be justified owing to recent increases in the price of sugar and in other manufacturing costs. The whole position was considered by the Prices Advisory Body which recommended decontrol. I accepted the recommendation in view of the circumstances which I have outlined but I intend that price movements in these products will continue to be kept under close scrutiny.