asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the basic price of a Hillman 10 h.p. motor car in Great Britain is £370, that the price of such car, including purchase tax in Great Britain is £473, but that the price in Ireland is £525, and that the similar figures for a Standard 8 h.p. motor car are £305, £390 and £490 respectively; and the similar figures for an Austin motor car £325, £416 and £525, respectively; and, if so, whether he will state why it is necessary that the price of such cars here should be between £150 and £200 dearer than the price of a similar car without purchase tax in Great Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Car Prices.
The prices given by the Deputy do not agree in all cases with those available to my Department.
As I indicated in reply to a question by the Deputy on the 8th June, I am not satisfied that there is sufficient justification for the prices charged for cars assembled in this country, and the question of adjustment in the prices is being pursued with the assemblers.
Will the Minister undertake to ensure that such pursuit of his proceeds as expeditiously as possible, as otherwise it will be a case of locking the stable after the horse has gone?
I can assure the Deputy that it is being proceeded with rapidly.