asked the Minister for Transport and Power the projected deficit, if any, for the ESB for 1971-72.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Finances.
15.
I am informed by the ESB that as at 31st December, 1971, the projected deficit for 1971-72 was somewhat in excess of £1 million.
What action does the Minister intend to take in regard to this deficit of over £1 million? Will he ask the ESB to become more efficient or does he intend to allow them to increase prices as they have done in the past?
We refused a recent application on the part of the ESB for an increase in rates and the matter is being examined by the National Prices Commission at present.
What does the Minister intend to do about it? Will they become more efficient?
May I ask whether the conditioning process that is going on is being done at the instigation of the Minister? I refer to RTE advertisements saying why an increase is justified in ESB charges.
This is precisely why the Government have referred the matter to the National Prices Commission.
Have these advertisements taken place with the Minister's approval?
This is part of business arrangements on the part of the board.