asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the controlled price, and (b) the correct quota, in relation to each of the following items:—(i) blacksmith's coal; (ii) horse-shoeing iron (plain); (iii) horse-shoeing iron (fuller); and (iv) plain, flat or wheel-shoeing iron.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Horse-Shoeing Iron Prices.
The price of blacksmith's coal is not controlled by Order. If, however, particulars are furnished to my Department of any cases in which there is reason to believe that prices charged for blacksmith's coal are unreasonably high they will be investigated. There is no fixed quota of coal for blacksmiths, whose allowances are, as in the case of all other users, based on their individual requirements and the prevailing supply position.
The types of iron referred to come under the provisions of Emergency Powers (Mild Steel) (Maximum Prices) Order, 1946, which sets out the basic prices for rounds or rods, squares, flats and angles as £33 10s. 0d. per ton, free on rail, when sold wholesale, and £38 10s. 0d. per ton when sold retail. The Order also provides for such additional charges for "extras" as are customary in the trade. There is no control of distribution by my Department of the kind of iron mentioned.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say how the individual requirements of blacksmiths are ascertained?
Each individual case is dealt with in accordance with the application received.
And merely on the basis of what is contained in the application.
There are other considerations.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that many blacksmiths have not sufficient coal?
I am aware that that is so not only with blacksmiths but with others.