asked the Taoiseach the percentage increase in the price of (a) fuel and (b) electricity in the twelve month period May 1982 to May 1983.
8.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Increases.
7.
Mr. Leonard
Mr. Leonard
asked the Taoiseach the percentage increase in the price of food in the period from May 1982 to May 1983.
(Dun Laoghaire): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together. The prices of fuel, electricity and food in the Consumer Price Index rose by 3.1 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively, between mid-May 1982 and mid-February 1983 which is the latest date for which information is available. The index results for mid-May 1983 will be available tomorrow.
In regard to the increase in the price of electricity, can the Minister for State tell me whether the price of oil has moved up or down in the same period and by what percentage?
(Dún Laoghaire): Fuel 3.1 per cent and electricity 4.6 per cent.
The Minister misunderstands my question. I am trying to establish how the price of imported oil has moved in the same 12-month period.
(Dún Laoghaire): I would not have that information. That is not part of the question but I will get it for the Deputy.
Would the Minister of State not only get it for me but would he agree with my proposition that as the price of oil has been decreasing on the international market the price of electricity has been increasing?
That would be a matter for another Minister.
I am trying to help the Minister in his research on the subject.