asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has received complaints, as far back as February 1st, in regard to the recent rise in the retail price of domestic coal in the Midlands, including Mullingar, and whether he is now prepared to state the result of the investigation promised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Prices.
I received a complaint in February about the retail price of domestic coal in Mullingar. It was ascertained, on investigation, that a number of the local merchants were charging excessive prices, and the firms concerned were subsequently instructed to reduce their selling prices to what I considered to be a reasonable level. The price of coal varies according to quality, and the merchants in question have been requested to arrange revised selling prices on the basis of the addition to the cost price of the different grades of coal of a specified margin to cover distribution and other charges.