asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the cost of raw phosphate rock supplied and shipped by Great Britain at factory here; (b) the corresponding cost of raw phosphate rock carried in Irish bottoms; and (c) the corresponding figure for Clare rock.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Phosphate Rock.
The information at (a) of the question could not be given without disclosing the terms of a private arrangement which the manufacturers here have entered into for the production of superphosphate for the British market from materials specially supplied by the British authorities for that purpose.
As regards (b) the landed cost of raw phosphate rock at present being imported in Irish ships varies from £6 18s. 6d. to £9 15s. 0d. a ton according to the grade of the rock and the type of ship on which it is carried. I do not know the price delivered at factory.
As regards (c) the average factory delivered price of Clare rock is estimated to be about £5 18s. 0d. per ton.