§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she has received the Price Commision's report on bread prices in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsOn 13th August 1975 a certificate was issued under paragraph 83 of the Price Code to allow bread prices in Northern Ireland to rise by 1p per 28 oz. loaf to safeguard bread supplies in the Province; this made the maximum price in Northern Ireland 2p higher than in most parts of Great Britain.
At the same time I asked the Price Commission to undertake a study of bread prices and costs in Northern Ireland compared to those in Great Britain. The Commission has now completed its report. In the period covered, bakery costs were nearly 1p per large loaf greater in Northern Ireland than in Great Britain and the costs of selling and delivery were nearly 3p greater, whereas the revenue from bread was only 2p—2½p more. The report shows that the baking industry in Northern Ireland was losing some -1p—½p per loaf.
The Government are discussing these findings with representatives of bakery employers, trade unions and consumers with the objective of limiting further price rises in the Province.
In the interests of economy this report will not be printed, but copies have been placed in the Library. Further copies are available from the Price Commission on request.