asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that a complaint was transmitted to the Minister for Supplies on the 21st January regarding the price charged for turf by the Athy Urban Council, whether the complaint was referred to his Department for investigation; and, if so, whether he will state what action has been taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Turf in Athy.
The complaint has been received and the method of dealing with it is at present under consideration.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this complaint was transmitted to the Minister for Supplies on 21st January, 1942, and that the Minister intimated on 23rd January that the matter was then being investigated? Is he further aware of the fact that turf was sold at £2 5s. Od. per ton to relatively well-to-do people in Athy, and it was then stated by the turf committee that they were making a profit of 10/- a ton on the turf when sold at that price? Subsequently, poor people in Athy were charged £2 15s. Od. per ton. Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider it possible to take some more expeditious steps to have the matter investigated and some reasonable price fixed for the turf?
I am fully aware of the difficulties of the matter, but I do not see any solution. It is one of the cases where dealing in a particular way with a hard case would make very bad law. It requires a good deal of consideration.
Does not the Parliamentary Secretary admit that it is most unfair to charge poor people £2 15s. Od. per ton for turf, while relatively well-to-do people buy it from the same turf committee at £2 5s. Od. per ton, it then being sold at a profit of 10/- per ton?
As I said, this is one of the cases where dealing with a hard case in a particular way might do more damage than good. I am sorry I have had to say that about it.