asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state on what grounds the recent increase in the price of turf from 45/- to 64/- per ton in non-turf areas was authorised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Price Increase.
The maximum price of turf in the Dublin area was fixed by order of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance at 45/- per ton lots with varying prices for smaller lots up to a rate of 55/- per ton for hundredweight lots. These prices were based on the cost of turf to Dublin merchants at the time of the making of the order. These merchants were then obtaining the small quantities of turf marketed by them from nearby counties, and it appeared desirable to check speculative buying of the restricted supplies available, which if allowed to develop might have had serious repercussions on the general price position.
The turf which is now being retailed by Dublin and other merchants throughout the non-turf area is being brought by road and rail from counties as far away as Donegal with a consequent heavy freight charge. The maximum price of a rate of 64/- per ton for all quantities now fixed by order is based on the price at which such turf is at present being released to the merchants by Fuel Importers (Eire), Ltd.
Can the Minister say what portion of the 64/- represents cost of delivery and collection in Dublin?
The Deputy had better give me notice of that question.
Does that price cover turf from Clonsast bog, which is at present within the dominion of Fuel Importers, Limited?
All the turf sold by Fuel Importers, Limited, is sold at the same price, irrespective of the cost to Fuel Importers, Limited.