asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that coal merchants in Dublin have increased the price of coal by 13/- per ton; if this increase has been recommended by the Prices Advisory Body and sanctioned by him; and if he will explain how this increase came into operation without any official announcement in advance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Price of Coal.
An increase of 12/6 a ton in coal prices generally was announced by the Dublin coal trade to come into force on 1st May, 1955, following on an increase in the f.o.b. cost of coal from Great Britain and an increase in freight costs. I directed that the whole question of coal prices should be the subject of a public inquiry by the Prices Advisory Body. The body has submitted a recommendation to me and the matter is under consideration.
Can the Minister say what is the differential between the price charged for coal in Ireland and the price charged in England?
I could not do it accurately without some notice.