Vol. 500 No. 1
91 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average percentage of retail price represented by farm gate price for each of the product categories (details supplied) in January 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3175/99]
The Deputy will be aware that I recently met a number of large retail multiples to discuss the growing concern among consumers that falling farm gate prices have not been reflected in retail prices in the shops. While I have gathered relevant data about recent prices movements during these discussions, much of which was given to me on a confidential basis, I regret that the specific detailed information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
92 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals, if any, he has to address the widening gap between the retail food prices and the price paid to farmers for their produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3176/99]
Toward the end of 1998, I met a number of multiples to discuss the growing concern among consumers at the perceived failure of the retail trade to reduce the price of meat on the shelves to reflect the historically low prices paid to farmers. I made it clear to the multiples that the Government is particularly concerned about consumer perceptions of unnecessarily high meat prices on supermarket shelves. Profiteering at any point in the supply chain, either at retail level or at the processing stage, would be wholly unacceptable to me as Minister of State with responsibility for consumer affairs. I also made it clear that the multiples must move quickly to restore consumer confidence in the value they are getting for meat and demonstrate clearly that they are pushing prices down.
The multiples maintained, in general, that any reductions in the prices which they pay to processors have been reflected in their retail prices and the most recent CSO data indicate that some of the reductions in farm producer prices have been passed on to consumers. I am keeping the matter under review.
As regards price control generally, it is Government policy to encourage competition and to promote greater price awareness among consumers. I have drawn the attention of the Director of Competition Enforcement to a debate in this House on the issue of food prices – 7 October 1998 – and I have asked him to take such action as he considers appropriate.
