asked the President if the Executive Council have considered or propose to consider the recent increase in the prices of motor spirit, in view of the fact that prices here were higher than in Great Britain and Northern Ireland (exclusive of tax) prior to the increase; whether he is aware that prices are fixed by agreement between all companies importing motor spirit into the Saorstát, and if the Executive Council propose to take steps to ensure that excessive prices will not be charged for this commodity, now so important to the commercial community.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Motor Spirit.
The Department of Industry and Commerce has, on several occasions, made representations to the oil companies to the effect that the difference in the prices of motor spirit in the Saorstát as compared with Great Britain and Northern Ireland should not be maintained, but its representations have not yet been accepted. There is no existing power to control prices charged for motor spirit, but the Minister for Industry and Commerce is inviting a written explanation from the oil companies of the reasons why the difference in price against the Saorstát is still maintained.
Will the President take steps to inform the Dáil if the written explanation to be submitted by the oil companies is satisfactory or otherwise?
I will undertake to communicate with the Deputy on the subject.