asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why the Prices Commission sanctioned the recent increase in the price of sausages of 2½p per lb; and if, in view of the fact that the increase took place without adequate notice being afforded the retailers and the consumers, he will direct that any future price increases, when granted, will be notified in advance in the public press.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Sausages.
42.
The National Prices Commission recently recommended an increase of 2½p per lb in the price of certain sausages to compensate the manufacturers concerned for increases in material, labour and overhead costs. I accepted this recommendation of the commission and the firms involved were notified accordingly.
The commission furnish me with a report each month giving, inter alia, details of the price increases which it has recommended to me. I have these reports published each month and at the same time announce my decisions on the commission's recommendations in relation to price proposals. I do not consider that any alteration of these arrangements is warranted.
Would the Minister not consider it desirable that public notices should appear giving adequate notice to shopkeepers and the public?
Public notices appear each month, arising from the report made to me by the National Prices Commission.
Would the Minister not consider asking companies who wish to make application for increases to make a public announcement to that effect?
The Deputy raised that matter in the discussion on the Bill yesterday. I shall be dealing with the matter in my reply. In dealing with it, I shall have to categorically say "no".
The Minister is not anxious to co-operate and ensure that the public are informed.
I have told the Deputy that I shall deal with the matter in my reply.