Vol. 204 No. 8
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that it was expected that there would be a reduction in the price of binder and baler twine this year, but that there was in fact a substantial increase; and if he will indicate by how much the raw materials for the manufacture of such twine increased since 1962.
17.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce how much the raw materials for the manufacture of binder and baler twine increased since 1962; and if he is aware that it was expected that there would be a reduction in the price of such twine this year, but that in fact there was a substantial increase.
With the permission of An Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
I am not aware that a reduction in the price of binder and baler twines was expected this year. As regards the increase in the prices of these twines I would refer to my reply of the 25th June last—Volume 203, Column 1549 of the Dáil Debates. Regarding the cost of the raw materials for the manufacture of binder and baler twine it will be appreciated that I am not at liberty to disclose costings given to me in confidence by industrial concerns. The Deputies' attention is, however, directed to the fact that the published market prices of sisal have, on average, increased by 48 per cent in the first six months of this year as compared with the corresponding period in 1962.
Is the Minister aware that the Meath County Committee of Agriculture were informed by the firm last year that they were expecting a reduction in the price of baler and binder twine this year and was the increase in the price of the raw material of 48 per cent in the first six months of the year unexpected?
