asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the big differential between the price paid by the Dublin consumer for eggs and the price received by the producers, and in view of the fact that 8d. per dozen is considered a fair margin of profit for the wholesaler to cover the cost of collecting, grading, testing, packing and transport to the nearest British port, if he will state why the same profit should not be sufficient for bringing eggs to the Dublin consumer; and, further, if he will undertake to have the whole question referred to the Prices Advisory Body for a public investigation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg Prices.
The evidence available to me does not disclose that the margin between the price paid to producers for eggs and the prices paid by consumers in Dublin is unreasonable. The Deputy refers to a margin of 8d. per dozen received by wholesale traders in respect of eggs exported to Great Britain, but apparently he overlooks the fact that eggs reach the consuming public through the retail traders, who also must be allowed a margin to cover their costs. About ten months ago the Prices Advisory Body inquired into the position and decided that neither wholesalers' nor retailers' margins were excessive.
In the circumstances it is not proposed to request the Prices Advisory Body to hold a public investigation into the matter but it is, of course, open to that body to hold such an investigation if it considers that this course is warranted.
Is the Minister aware that on Monday last the price charged for eggs by the retailer in Dublin was 7/- per dozen and the price received by the producer was 3/9 per dozen? Does the Minister consider that reasonable?
It is margins they are paying for and not eggs.
I think Deputy Kyne's information is entirely incorrect.
It is not incorrect.
I want to take Deputy Davin up on that. He induced me to consider a communication from a body called the Lower Prices Council and he asked me to meet a deputation of that council and have the Prices Advisory Body meet them also and then they denied——
(Interruptions).
What has that to do with the price of eggs.
Name the secretary of the council. You have the correspondence to prove that I was requested to make representations to you. Apparently the truth does not matter. In view of the unsatisfactory and untruthful answer given by the Minister in regard to my attitude I want the right and privilege of raising this matter on the Adjournment.
Check up with the secretary of the council first.
The Minister will withdraw that or I will put it all on the records.
As Deputy Mulcahy once said: "You all know Deputy Davin."