asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the West Cork Slate Quarries find it difficult to carry on operations at present, owing to the fact that they have been permitted to increase the prices of their products by 10 per cent. only, while their costs in wages and materials have shown a progressive increase much exceeding that percentage; and if he will consider permitting them an increase of at least 20 per cent. on pre-war rates to enable them to continue in production with a reasonable profit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Slate Quarrying.
In permitting the concern to which the Deputy refers to increase its prices by 10 per cent., I had full regard to increased production costs and I am not satisfied that any further increase in prices would be warranted at the present time. I will be prepared, however, to review the position on receipt of the financial accounts of the concern for their current trading year—ending on the 30th June.