asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider restoring the loaf of bread to its former size.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Size of Loaf.
35.
The recent introduction of metric weights for bread is in line with established policy for the gradual introduction of the metric system in this country, the target date for the completion of the change over to metric being 1975. The Deputy will appreciate that in these circumstances a reversion to the former imperial weights would be a retrograde step.
May I take it from the Minister's reply that we are to continue to have the smaller loaf? Regardless of what way the Minister got around the issue by quoting metric and imperial measures, the fact is that the loaf has been reduced in size. Can we take it that there will be no increase in the price of the loaf, either in sterling or in any other currency, during the next three or four months?
Price increases are a matter for the National Prices Commission. Should the bakeries apply to the commission for an increase, their application would be examined and a decision as to whether an increase was granted would be based on whether there was justification for an increase.
I thought that Governments and not commissions are responsible primarily for price increases.
The National Prices Commission are the people to whom price increase applications are referred.
I know that.
Have the bakers applied to the NPC for an increase in prices?
Not that I am aware of.
I take it that the answer to my supplementary was in the negative.
I do not think I heard the Deputy's supplementary.
I asked whether the Minister can give a guarantee that no price increases would be granted during the next three or four months.
I could not give any such guarantee.
The price is being increased.
No.
Would the Minister not agree that the small loaf, which is used by many elderly people, by those who are living alone and by those who are in receipt of social welfare assistance, consists of crust and little bread rather than bread and little crust.
Has the Minister been instructed——
I am calling Question No. 36.
I do not wish to have to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Deputy Dowling must obey the Chair. Question No. 36.
A Cheann Comhairle——
If the Deputy is intimating that he wishes to raise the matter on the Adjournment the Chair will communicate with him.
He has said that he does not wish to do so.
Has the Minister been instructed to ensure that there are no price increases until after the by-election? I understand that he has been so instructed.
We do not engage in Fianna Fáil tactics.