asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the bad weather, he will make representations to Bord na Móna to have the price of turf reduced, so that householders may procure their winter supplies at a reasonable price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Price.
I am advised by Bord na Móna that having regard to its statutory obligation to repay with interest the moneys advanced to it by the State there is no margin for reduction in the present price of turf.
Would the Minister explain why Bord na Móna found it necessary to increase the price of turf by 5/- per ton within the last six weeks?
That is not the question I have been asked but if the Deputy puts down a question to that effect I will make inquiries in the matter. My information is on the general question of fixing an economic price for turf. Like all other producers, Bord na Móna have found production difficulties this year due to the weather and, in addition, they have to meet increased charges in the form of increased wages.
Is the Minister aware that Bord na Móna are carrying on as if they were private producers and taking advantage of the wet weather to grasp further opportunities in the same manner as if they were private suppliers? Is the Minister further aware that Bord na Móna sales organisation have fallen down completely in the last three weeks even with regard to supplying their regular customers with fuel?
I have no information on that at all. Bord na Móna still have on the whole quite a substantial quantity of turf available for sale to the public.
They are not selling it.
Would the Minister not agree that £4 per ton retail for turf is somewhat excessive? Would the Minister not also agree that Bord na Móna have about ten years' supply of turf and that they could take time to average out the increase rather than increase it now during the bad season?
And get rid of the muck at the same time.
Out of the Park.
These questions do not arise out of the main question, which was whether Bord na Móna would reduce its price. I have explained that Bord na Móna have a statutory obligation to repay with interest the moneys advanced to it by the State, and bearing that statutory obligation in mind, there is no margin for reduction in the present price of turf.