asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism in view of the fact that the price of cattle has fallen considerably, the reason the consumer is not benefiting from this price reduction.
Written Answers. - Beef Prices.
553.
Retail prices for beef are not subject to detailed price control but are subject to extensive and regular monitoring by the National Prices Commission. The commission's latest published report, for November-December 1984, shows that in the 12 months to December 1984 the increase in the national average retail price for beef at 2.3 per cent was the same as the 2.3 per cent increase recorded in producer beef prices. The commission indicated that they were of the view that the levels of retail margins taken were not unreasonable in the market conditions.
Statistics available to the commission in respect of the period January to March 1985 show an increase of 7.6 per cent in producer prices for beef sold for home consumption. The increase in retail prices over the same period, as indicated by the commission's surveys, is 2.4 per cent. Reports of the National Prices Commission are issued to Deputies and are available in the Dáil Library.