asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the amount of the recent increase sanctioned by him in respect of soft drinks and if he has satisfied himself that the retail prices being charged to the public accurately reflect the cost of production plus normal margins.

Recently sanctioned increases were in the wholesale prices of soft drinks, and followed recommendations by the National Prices Commission. I sanctioned the increases having carefully considered the applications from the principal manufacturers, based on increased costs in respect of labour, materials and overheads.

The National Prices Commission have had the question of the margins taken on soft drinks under review in recent months and have expressed their concern at the very high margins being taken on soft drinks sold for on-premises consumption. The commission hope to be in a position to make a final recommendation to me in the matter in the very near future.

Is the Minister aware that there is a very considerable and responsible body of opinion that the margins taken by the manufacturers concerned are exceptionally and extraordinarily high? In the circumstances, the National Prices Commission should complete their review as a matter of urgency, bearing in mind the outrageously high prices charged here for soft drinks of dubious quality.

For some time the National Prices Commission have been concerned with the very high margins to which the Deputy has referred. I am also concerned about the matter. I am expecting the report in a short time and I can assure the House that I will act on it.