asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he proposes to take any action to control drink prices effectively following increased taxation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drink Prices.
20.
The Deputy is aware, no doubt, of the forthcoming High Court proceedings in which the validity of one of the Maximum Prices (Intoxicating Liquor) Orders is being challenged. Until this matter has been decided, effective control of drink prices is proving difficult. The Deputy will also be aware that in reply to a recent Dáil question on this subject, I referred to legislation amending the Prices Acts which, it is hoped, will be introduced after Easter and which will deal, inter alia, with drink prices.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the widespread dissatisfaction at the inordinate further increase, on top of the increase in taxation which has taken place, in all drink prices, intoxicating and otherwise? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a reply dealing with a High Court case, and the history of price fixation, is inadequate in the light of the spiralling increases in drink prices this week?
The more recent increases arise from two factors, the introduction of the new rate of VAT and an increase which was granted to the brewers. The increase granted to the brewers was investigated in full by the National Prices Commission.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House, in relation to the pint, arising from the increase granted by his Minister and the increase imposed by the Minister for Finance, how much the pint and the half-one should have increased this week and by how much they have gone up?
The total increases over pre-budget prices would amount to, between the budget and the more recent increase, 8p per pint on draught and other beers and 7p per glass on spirits.
And they have all gone up by 10p.
Is it correct to say that one cannot get three pints for £1?
The Deputy should go into a pub and find out.
I am interested in the man who would like to have a pint after his day's work.
The Deputy is as good at arithmetic as I and he can work it out.
What is the cost of three pints?
It depends on where you buy them.
I would like to know whether the Parliamentary Secretary or the Minister or Deputy P. Belton is fixing drink prices now.
(Interruptions.)
Order.