Vol. 416 No. 8
72 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has satisfied himself that the drop in prices for agricultural goods over the past five years has reflected itself in a drop in prices for the consumer; his views on whether, despite the drop in commodity prices, the price to the consumer has increased substantially; and if he has any proposals to have this situation investigated and rectified.
I would refer the House to my replies to previous questions on this issue on 18 December 1991 (Question No. 15, Volume 414, No. 9, columns 2192-2193 of the Official Report), on 9 July 1991, (Question No. 20, Volume 410, No. 6, column 1158 of the Official Report) and on 24 April 1991, (Question No. 12, Volume 407, columns 957-958). This matter was also addressed by way of Government amendment adopted by the Seanad on 26 February 1992 of a motion proposed by Senator Raftery.
I understand that the Director of Consumer Affairs, who is independent in the exercise of his functions, is continuing his inquiries into certain aspects of pricing in the bacon industry.
