asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the manner in which the prices of alcoholic spirits are controlled by him; why a popular brand of whiskey is now being processed by patent still; and if supplies that have been held in bond, processed by the older method of pot still, are being sold at prices exceeding those of the popular brands by 50 per cent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alcoholic Liquor Prices.
22.
Control of the prices of alcoholic spirits is exercised at different levels. At retail level, drink prices are controlled by maximum prices orders in 17 areas throughout the country. Manufacturers may not increase their prices without giving two months' notice in advance to the Minister. Importers and wholesalers of alcoholic spirits whose annual turnover exceeds £250,000 proposing to increase their cash margins on any products are required to give similar period of notice. Proposals for increases in prices are considered by the National Prices Commission who make recommendations to the Minister. Increases in prices or margins would normally be allowed only on foot of vouched unavoidable cost increases incurred by the applicants. I have been informed that it is not correct that popular brands of whiskey are now being processed by patent still, and that furthermore there is no standard brand of Irish whiskey being sold by the distillers at 50 per cent more than the price of popular brands. If however, the Deputy is aware of cases where publicans are taking an additional margin of this order on a particular brand, I will be glad to have the matter investigated on receipt of the necessary particulars.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is 15-year-old pot still Jameson on sale in the Dáil bar at the same price as brandy?
I am not so aware. If the Deputy gives me the name of the particular pot still whiskey I guarantee to carry out a personal investigation of the matter within 24 hours.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying that there is no Irish whiskey from a patent still on the market at the moment?
In the making of whiskey, apparently both pot still and patent still are used, but there is no whiskey which is derived solely from patent still.
This is very important but——
That is my information, but if the Deputy can give me further information I will have it investigated.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying that whiskeys which are being sold as pot still have a patent content?
I understand there is a blend in some whiskeys.
Am I to understand that all whiskeys being sold as pot still whiskey carry an element of patent still?
I am not saying that all do, I understand that some do.
I will put down a question for the next session to find out the exact amount.
Is it not correct that there is one brand of whiskey manufactured in this country which is completely patent still and sold as such?
My information is to the contrary. If the Deputy will give me the name of the brand I will have it investigated.
I think it is Hewitts and it is sold as a scotch and is manufactured in Cork.
I will have the matter investigated following this specific information from Deputy O'Connor.