asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Bord na Móna have increased the price of turf, and if this increase has been recommended by the Prices Advisory Body and sanctioned by him.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Price Increase.
I am informed that, due to increases in wage rates and operating expenses, Bord na Móna have recently increased by 3/- per ton the standard price for machine turf supplied ex-works.
The price of turf was decontrolled in September, 1951. I am aware that it is the policy of Bord na Móna at all times to keep the ex-works price of machine turf at the lowest level.
The Minister did not answer the question he was asked. Why is it not necessary for Bord na Móna to go before the Prices Advisory Body in the same way as the coal merchants have to go before that body before they increase the price of coal? Why can Bord na Móna raise the price of turf without getting sanction or without having to ask the permission of anybody to do so? Turf is a native fuel; there are no outside influences controlling the price of turf as such influences control the price of coal. Why is it not necessary for the Minister to make inquiry each time Bord na Móna automatically and autocratically decides to increase the price of turf to the poor people of this country?
The position is that the Prices Advisory Body can, on its own initiative, inquire into the price of turf charged by Bord na Móna, or the Minister, if he is satisfied that the price is unduly high, can ask the Prices Advisory Body to undertake such inquiry. The evidence before me is that due to increased wages and other operating expenses, the board's liabilities have increased and they have found it necessary, therefore, to increase the price of turf by 3/- per ton. I am satisfied that the board's policy is to keep their general prices as low as possible and if I thought the board's prices, or the recent increase, were unduly high I would have no hesitation in sending the matter to the Prices Advisory Body for examination. I am not, however, so satisfied.
Is the Minister aware this is the second increase within the last 18 months and the recent increase is much greater than 3/- per ton? Is he aware that people who buy turf by the bag in towns in the West have to pay 4d. to 6d. per bag more now than they paid eight months ago?
That is something different.
That is a horse of a different colour, is it?
That is something different. That is not the question the Deputy asked.
Is the Minister aware that the increase awarded to Bord no Móna workers was 8/- per week? That does not represent a very big amount on the price of turf. I mention that so that the impression will not go out again that wages are bringing up costs.
Bord na Móna have to meet charges other than wage charges.