asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give an account of fluctuations in prices from 1st November to date in the specific commodities generally considered in compiling the consumer price index figures; and whether any other outstanding price fluctuations in other commodities have come to his notice in the period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Fluctuations.
51.
As to the first part of the question, I am advised that the necessary official statistics of retail prices at mid-February of commodities considered in compiling the Consumer Price Index are not as yet available, but will be available shortly.
I do not know quite what the Deputy means by outstanding price fluctuations. I am aware of increases, consequential on increases in production costs, in the prices of bread, turf briquettes, milk and cement and it was announced yesterday that the price of sugar has been increased by the Sugar Company.
And the increase in bus fares announced.
Does the Minister not think it worth his while to mention the increases caused by the introduction of the turnover tax, or are all increases to be blamed on wages?
The Deputy knows that increases in prices are due to a variety of causes, including increases in the prices of raw materials.
Could the Minister mention a few causes and not omit the turnover tax?