asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of price increases over a wide range of foodstuffs in excess of the tax increase and that the disappearance of the ½d has resulted in many traders opting for increases which are not justified and if he will make a statement on the matter.

All excessive increases in prices resulting from the recent increase in turnover tax, which come to my notice, will be investigated.

Where, on account of the withdrawal of the halfpenny from circulation, traders may find it necessary to increase prices by more than 2½ per cent on certain goods, there should be no price increase on other goods so that the overall result will be an average increase of 2½ per cent on turnover.

Is the Minister aware, as are members of the public and, in fact, I have seen some Press comments on the matter, of excessive price increases which have occurred in the past few weeks? Is the Department so aware?

Certain complaints have been coming to my Department in that regard I do not accept that everything that appears by way of a Press report is factual.

The Minister has an aversion to the Press.

The Minister's family should be able to tell him. Has he heard complaints from his own family?

I have not.

I agree with the Minister that one should not believe everything one reads but, without reading at all, we are aware that the general public are paying excessive increases in prices. The shopkeeper says it is due to the Government 2½ per cent turnover tax. Is the Department sceptical of the reports?

I do not accept the contention that the Government are sceptical of reports solely because one cannot always accept what one reads in the Press. I am mindful of the general examination and inquiries being carried out by officials of my Department who are constantly spotchecking and engaged in overall checking.

Are these inspectors?

Yes.

How many such inspectors are there?

I have no background information.

Oh, God.

Since the increase in the turnover tax, has the Minister received any reports of increases in prices?

I want to get this clear. I have had reports from the Press and the general public of excessive increases but these reports have not been confirmed so far, arising from investigation my officials have carried out. I agree that it is only in the preliminary stages but, at the same time, I have no practical evidence of excessive increases.

Is the Minister suggesting that he would require the assistance of the Special Branch in order to establish if there have been excessive increases?

No, nor do I suggest that I need the Deputy's assistance either.

Surely the Minister's Department are by now at least aware of certain increases that have taken place?

I am aware that there have been increases but I am not accepting that there have been excessive increases.

It is a case of living in the ivory tower.

May I ask the Minister if, in the case of evidence being supplied to his Department to show that excessive increases have been charged, he will take severe action in dealing with such cases? It is obvious to the general public even if it has not been brought to the attention of the Department, that there have been excessive charges.

There is something to be said for independence.

Will the Minister believe us now?

I still have no verification of this but, in reply to the Deputy, I can assure him that if it is established to my satisfaction that excessive increases have been charged I shall take the appropriate action.

Obviously, the Minister has not yet paid 3d for a box of matches.

Questions Nos. 57 and 58 for Written Answer.