Vol. 452 No. 8
36 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his views on the statement issued by the Irish Farmers' Association that butchers and supermarkets are over-charging in relation to lamb prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8654/95]
I do not have legal powers available to me to investigate any disparities between retail prices for food and prices paid to producers.
I agree however that any reduction in purchase price should be passed on to consumers. This is especially important in regard to sheepmeat in order to ensure that it remains competitive with other meats.
