asked the Taoiseach if he will state the increase in the index figure of the cost of living as a result of the recent increases in butter and flour prices caused by the removal of the food subsidies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost-of-Living Index Figure.
The compilations for the mid-May Consumer Price Index have not yet been completed and consequently it is not possible to state the exact effect on the Consumer Price Index of the changes in prices of flour and butter consequent on the removal of subsidies from these items. However, on the basis of an assumed increase of 7d. per lb. on butter and 2/9½ per 14 lb. in flour, it is estimated that the effect would be to increase the Consumer Price Index by 1½ points.