asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that petrol is retailed in Dublin at 1s. 5½d. per gallon, and in Belfast at 1s. 7½d. per gallon, although in Belfast it is subject to a tax of 4d. per gallon; if the Government has made any recent representations to the oil companies concerning this discrepancy in prices; and, if so, with what result; and, further, if the Government is prepared to consider the advisability of controlling petrol prices should this unfair discrimination against the Free State consumers be continued.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol Prices in Saorstát.
The replies of the oil companies to my representations on the subject of petrol prices in the Saorstát have been under recent examination. The differential which, after making allowance for the tax on petrol in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, exists against the Saorstát has been justified by the companies mainly on the grounds of higher transportation and distribution charges. I do not feel satisfied that these grounds sufficiently account for the present differential, but the subject is a difficult one on which to form a judgment.
I am prepared to consider the control of petrol prices if and when satisfied that unfair discrimination exists and that a continuance of petrol supplies at controlled prices can be insured.