asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of increased high charges for meals in restaurants; and what power he has to control this situation.

I have no statutory power to control restaurant prices.

Charges for table d'hôte meals in restaurants attached to registered hotels and guesthouses are subject to a degree of control in that maximum prices are submitted each year to Bord Fáilte and published in the Official Guide to Hotels and Guesthouses. These prices may not be exceeded without the prior consent of Bord Fáilte.

Is the Minister aware of the fact that some restaurants in Dublin must make application to the Department of Industry and Commerce to increase some of the charges? What I would like to know now from the Minister is why this practice is not universal. If some restaurants must apply for permission to increase charges why do the others not have to?

I would not be concerned with the operation of the price control arrangements of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.

Surely there must be some liaison between the two Departments?

I would be concerned with the possibility at some future date of registering restaurants under the regulations of Bord Fáilte. It is not possible to do that with the money available to Bord Fáilte. It would be quite impossible to enter into that obligation at the present time although Bord Fáilte are fully aware of the position. I would only be concerned with the relationship of restaurants to the tourist business as a whole.

Would the Minister not agree that the prices in the Dublin Airport restaurant seem to be exorbitant?

It depends whether the Deputy is referring to the prices of snacks in the lounge or——

No, in the restaurant proper.

In comparison with other airports I do not think they are excessive.

Would the Minister agree that there is a difference between an ordinary restaurant and a restaurant situated in an airport? Would the Minister not agree that compared with first-class hotels in the city, the prices at the Dublin Airport restaurant would still seem to be exorbitant?

Oh, good God; thirty-three shillings for a steak!

Go out and buy your socks.

I will have another look at the question but I very much doubt it.