asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his Department has had any consultations with the British National Coal Board with regard to the proposed increase in the price of British coal in Ireland; whether he has any reason to think that such an increase might be followed by increases in the price of other coal in this country; and whether he will take steps to endeavour to prevent a rise in the price of coal generally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of British Coal.
17.
I understand that the price of coal in Britain is being increased by varying amounts according to type and grade and that these increases will apply also to exports to this country. The matter has not been the subject of consultation between my Department and the National Coal Board but there have been discussions at commercial level between the Coal Board and the Irish Coal Importers' Association.
Supplies of coal, other than British coal, continue to be freely available at cheaper prices and the Deputy has, no doubt, seen the statement by the Coal Importers' Association that no increase in selling price will be necessary in the immediate future.
In the long term the price of imported coal must, of course, depend on world market prices which are beyond our control. I cannot say how these prices may fluctuate in the future.