asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he can state if the retail prices of bread in the Saorstát at present are based on or bear a relation to ex-mill prices of flour in the Saorstát or Britain.

It is not possible to give a precise reply to a question in such general terms. As the Deputy is aware, retail prices of bread vary in different districts throughout the Saorstát. In some districts retail prices bear a relation to ex-mill prices of flour; in others this relation is not so apparent.

Can the Minister state if there are any districts in which the price of bread is considered excessive in relation to ex-mill price of flour?

I cannot say.