asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the recent report of the Cork County Manager to the county council that the prices of coal delivered to the different institutions had fallen from £10 and £9 per ton to from £5 17s. 6d. to £6 10s. per ton delivered, he has satisfied himself that the present price in Cork City of £8 5s. per ton is justified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork City Coal Prices.
The present retail price of £8 5s. 0d. per ton for coal in Cork was fixed on the recommendation of the Prices Advisory Body after full investigation of import and distribution costs. I am informed that the coal referred to by the Cork County Manager is a grade unsuitable for household use and that delivery would be effected in bulk from ship's side with a resulting substantial saving in handling expenses.
Is the Minister aware that best quality English coal is being delivered 30 and 50 miles from Cork City at £6 2s. 0d. per ton; that second quality coal is being offered at £5 15s. 0d. a ton, and that, in the case of North Cork, samples are being offered before tenders are accepted? In view of that, will the Minister further investigate the position?
The Deputy has given very much more information in his supplementary question than he did in his original question. I will have the figures which he has given examined. I want, however, to repeat what is in the answer to his question, that the present retail price of £8 5s. 0d. per ton for coal in Cork was fixed after examination by the Prices Advisory Body.
Is the Minister aware that, in the case I mentioned of the £6 2s. 0d. per ton, tenders were also offered to the same institution at £8 5s. 0d. per ton?
Will the Minister see that this matter is investigated because these figures are very serious?
The matter has already been investigated by the Prices Advisory Body and the price fixed. I will, however, have the further information which has been given by Deputy McGrath examined.