asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the wholesale and retail prices of coal and anthracite in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, respectively, and the reason for the difference in the prices; further, if he will have such price differentiation examined.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Prices.
Coal prices have not been subject to statutory control since January, 1953, but, at my request, the Prices Advisory Body are at present investigating the cause of the price increases recently announced by the coal trade.
I am informed that the present retail price of best household coal in Dublin, Cork and Waterford is £8 12s. 6d. per ton; and in Limerick, £9 5s. per ton. The retail price differential in the case of Limerick arises, I understand, from variations in freight rates and handling costs.
Wholesale coal prices depend on the margins allowed to retailers by importers, which would be a matter for settlement between the parties.
Because of the wide variety of grades and qualities of anthracite available and the varying transport costs, it is not possible to make any effective comparison of either wholesale or retail prices in different areas. I understand, however, that pit-head prices of Irish anthracite range, according to grade and quality, from £1 11s. 6d a ton to £8 17s. 6d. a ton.