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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Mar 1971

Vol. 252 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol Prices.

30.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when application was made for permission to increase the price of petrol; when permission was given; and the reasons for such action.

Applications were made in February, 1971 by the three main oil companies operating here for increases in the prices of petroleum products. These applications were afterwards amended to take account of increases arising from the Teheran agreement. An increase of 1.13p per gallon in the wholesale price of petroleum products was agreed by me on 12th March, 1971. The need for this increase was brought about by increases in oil prices at the international level.

Arising out of the increase in wholesale prices, new retail prices of petrol have been agreed by me which provide for some increase in the retailer's margin to compensate for increased costs.

Why does the Minister make a habit of making announcements like this when the Dáil is not in session? Is the Minister aware that we can now proudly boast that we are the country with the highest petrol costs in Europe?

I do not look on that as a proud boast.

Neither do I.

The Deputy just said it.

The Minister has more responsibility for it than we have.

Question No. 31.

May I ask the Minister what effect this will have on industry and tourism?

I accept the fact that increases in petroleum and oil prices have an effect on industry but where there is an uncontrollable increase, where the price of oil coming into the country has gone up, we cannot put ourselves in the position of being unable to procure oil supplies.

The Minister appreciates the effect of this and other price increases on wages?

I do and I appreciate the effect of wage increases on prices.

And he appreciates the urgency of proper prices legislation as quickly as possible?

I appreciate this but if there are wage increases they will have to be taken into account in prices. There is no point on the one hand in fighting for increased wages and objecting to the price increases.

The Minister is aware of the fact that there is a possibility of the national wages agreement going by the board if the cost of living goes so high?

We cannot have a discussion on the whole petrol situation.

When a Minister agrees, for the reason he has already given, to the increase in the price of petrol, what is the purpose of the Minister or his predecessor bringing in a prices control agreement—that may not be the right title for it? What is the point of control of prices if the Minister is going to break it every time there is an application made by a power group such as the petrol companies in the country?

Were it not for the efficient manner in which my department controls prices at the present time——

Cod, absolute cod.

I will bring into the House here letter from trade unions asking me to put up prices.

Has the Minister any idea how many inspectors there are in his Department?

I have. I have not a question on that point.

The Minister does not know what increases are taking place.

I have only to ask Deputy Dr. O'Connell. He knows everything.

Question No. 31.

On a point of order, with respect, I think the Minister will understand that if a Deputy raises a point of order he should resume his seat.

I was called.

The Chair has not ruled——

Let us hear the point.

What relevance have letters in the Minister's Department to the supplementary question I asked?

Why does the Minister not reply to the supplementary question I asked him?

The supplementary question the Deputy asked had no relevance to the question which he put down in the first place.

This affects everyday life in the country.

The Deputy may not discuss it in that way. He has put down a question and has received a reply.

I have received no reply. I am asking the Minister why he brings in orders prohibiting increases——

That is a separate question.

The question is a specific one dealing with petrol prices.

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