asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that binder twine is being retailed this year to farmers at 55/- per cwt., an increase of £20 per ton over last season, when it was retailed at 35/- per cwt., and if he will take such action as may be necessary by referring this matter to the Prices Commission or otherwise, so as to prevent such profiteering?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Binder Twine.
I am aware that the list price of Saorstát manufactured binder twine for sale by way of retail is now 54/- per cwt. as compared with 35/- per cwt. last year. I am informed that the increase in price is due mainly to a rise of approximately 100 per cent. in the price of the raw material. I am not at present satisfied that a reference to the Prices Commission is necessary, but the matter is still under investigation.
Arising out of the Minister's reply does he not think it necessary, with the harvest upon us, that a reference should be made of this question to the Prices Commission in order that this House may be satisfied that farmers who must use this binder twine are not being exploited by certain individuals who have a monopoly of the trade? Will he cause further inquiries to be made as to whether the quality of this twine is fair value for the price that is being asked for it in view of the fact that numerous complaints are being made that its varying diameter causes the twine to break, particularly in binders in which it is at present being used?
Is the Minister not aware that the disparity in the price of home and foreign binder twine is proportionately greater than the difference between the tender submitted by an English firm and that submitted by the Dublin Dockyard Company to repair the "Muirchu" and that the "Muirchu" was sent over to England for repairs?