asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether before the recent increase in the price of milk was granted, the Prices Advisory Body was consulted; and, if so, what was the result of such consultation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Price Increase.
The recent increase in the price of bottled milk in the Dublin sales district was authorised by me on the recommendation of the Prices Advisory Body. The body's recommendation was based mainly on increases in labour costs, since the cost of milk distribution in Dublin was investigated at a public inquiry held in July, 1951, and particularly an increase of 12/6 per week in workers' wages paid with effect as from August 3rd of this year.
The Prices Advisory Body reported that in view of the public inquiry held last year, it did not consider it to be necessary to hold a further public inquiry on this occasion.
Will the Minister say if there was any alternative to passing on the price to the consumer? Could it not have been taken out of the profits?
Presumably the Prices Advisory Body fully investigated the position in that regard and based their recommendation upon their conclusion that the additional cost had to be recovered.
Is the Minister aware that they made considerable profits last year even though they sold less milk than in the previous year?
The recommendation of the Prices Advisory Body was that there was no method of offsetting the increased wages except by adjusting prices.
Can the Minister say if a representative of the producers was on the Prices Advisory Body?
That is a separate question.