asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether timber imported to this country from Russia is cheaper than such imports from other countries; and, if so, whether there is a corresponding reduction in the price of suchtimber when retailed to the consuming public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Timber Imported from Russia.
No statutory control is exercised over timber prices and I have no information as to the prices which the consumers pay for the timber of any particular country of origin. World market quotations indicate that Russian redwood of best quality is slightly dearer than redwood of Swedish or Finnish origin but that Russian whitewood of best quality is cheaper than similar timber of other countries.
The reply of the Minister would indicate that timber from Russia is dearer than that of other countries. Surely that would be a reason for closing down trade altogether with Russia? I understood that timber from Russia was cheaper and that was why we were buying it.
What I said to the Deputy in as simple words as I could use, was that I did not know what price is being paid. We do not control the import price.
Since he is the Minister in control of prices, surely it would be the Minister's function to find out if this timber is cheaper?
We do not control the price of timber.
Would it not be only right and fair that the consuming public should get it at the cheaper price? Would the Minister not make inquiries?
I have tried to make it clear that the price of timber is not controlled.