Rising Prices

Sir, - It's gas, isn't it? Last week which saw the ESB announce price increases; the publicans (coffers overflowing; licences…

Sir, - It's gas, isn't it? Last week which saw the ESB announce price increases; the publicans (coffers overflowing; licences valued at £800,000), putting 5p on the pint; supermarkets laying on up to 20p on a whole raft of basics. Also, it just happened to be the week when miserable welfare increases came into effect.

Just to add a little salt to the gas: I learn that publicans, rushing in unnecessary orders to the brewers, have forced delivery-men to work night and day through the weekend to beat the increase. Will they pass on the saving? Is Bertie Ahern camera-shy? - Yours, etc., Maurice Cregan,

Rialto,

Dublin 8.