asked the Taoiseach if he will comment on the percentage rise in food costs over the period May, 1971, to May, 1972; and if the percentage increase was in line with Government cost increase projections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Costs.
3.
The increase in the food group of the consumer price index between mid-May, 1971, and mid-May, 1972, was 10.8 per cent. Meat, milk and butter accounted for less than half of this increase. Part of the price rise arose from action taken by the Government to improve farming incomes and to that extent was in line with expectations. Market forces, however, accounted for the greater part of the change. In view of the volatile nature of these forces and the wide range of food items affected, detailed forecasting in this area is not attempted, account being taken in only a general way of food prices in assessing future trends in the consumer price index.
Question No. 4 postponed.