asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the substantial discrepancy between the purchase price of motor cars as quoted in England, excluding purchase tax, and the price charged for similar cars in this country, he will consider making investigations to ascertain if the prices charged here are fair and reasonable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Car Prices.
34.
It is obvious that there must be a significant difference between the two prices. The British price reflects economies of scale. The Irish price has to cover the cost of freight, insurance and packing on the aggregates, the Customs duty and any extra costs associated with assembly here. There is competition between the various makes on sale in the market and I am satisfied that this is the best regulator of price.
As the Minister for Industry and Commerce agreed about three weeks ago that there was a difference of about £140 between the prices charged here and in England for the new Ford Consul, would the Minister agree that that would indicate the urgency and immediate importance of having an investigation into the prices of cars generally?
The difference is accounted for, as I said in my reply, by the cost of freight, insurance and packing on the aggregates, the customs duty and extra costs associated with assembly here. The difference is largely associated with the scale of operations which make things very expensive here.
The Minister will agree that the cars I referred to in my previous question were cars manufactured solely in this country and still the price is £140 higher.
Only assembled.
In any case, will the Minister explain how the £140 comes into the price of a £710 car?
It does not arise on this question.
It is not a fact.
I have given the Deputy the answer.