asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the prices charged by English suppliers of industrial raw materials to Irish manufacturers are, in very many cases almost equal to the prices of the English manufactured articles manufactured from such raw materials and exported to this country; and, if so, whether he will indicate the steps being taken to have this unfair discrimination against Irish industries stopped.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Raw Materials of Industry.
I am aware that the prices charged by British suppliers to Irish manufacturers for certain raw materials are substantially higher than those charged to British manufacturers. This subject was discussed at the trade talks which led to the Anglo/Irish Trade Agreement of 1948 and has been the subject of repeated representations to the British authorities since then. These representations have not so far been successful but in the case of certain commodities the price differential has, as a result of changes in world market conditions, disappeared. Deputies, I am sure, will be glad to learn that the practice of dual pricing has now been made the subject of examination by the Organisation of European Economic Co-operation at Paris. All relevant information on this practice at the disposal of the Government will be made available to the organisation.