Vol. 230 No. 12
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that on the 13th October, 1967, the Cork Gas Consumers Company issued a public statement criticising the ESB for offering appliances free or at a reduced rate to purchasers of electee tric cookers; and, if so, if he will comment on this statement.
15.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that in a statement by the Cork Gas Consumers Company, which was made public on 13th October, 1967, it was said that aspects of the present ESB policy were utterly wasteful to the national economy as they aim at incurring additional financial outlay to provide additional generating capacity merely to replace a service already adequately provided for by gas; if he will investigate the matter; and if he will make a statement in regard to it.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
I am aware of the statements of the Cork Gas Company on 13th October, 1967.
I am informed by the Board that two distinct offers of appliances were made recently. The first was sponsored by Electrical Industries Ireland, Limited, and was available to all electrical traders selling that firm's cookers as well as to the Board's showrooms.
The second offer was made in connection with the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the board. Such offers are a common feature of present day merchandising particularly in the field of consumer durables.
I do not agree that aspects of the present ESB policy are wasteful to the national economy or aim at the replacement of gas by electricity. No measurable increase in electricity generating capacity has taken place or is likely to take place in order to provide for any replacement of gas by electricity for cooking.
I am satisfied that as in other countries a healthy competition between gas and electricity helps to maintain efficiency in both services and reacts to the benefit of consumers.
