asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has examined the position arising from the merger of leading fuel distributors in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Fuel Distributors.
6.
I have received complaints which attributed delays in the delivery of coal in the Dublin area to a lack of competition among coal merchants following on the merger of a number of the firms concerned. The Examiner of Restrictive Practices is at present inquiring into this matter at my request. As I have already indicated, I am arranging for a public inquiry into the price of coal.
From his experience to date could the Minister establish the principle that, generally speaking, mergers do not operate to the benefit of the consumer?
I think there is serious disquiet in regard to this merger and it is for that reason that I asked the Examiner of Restrictive Practices to look at it. If the Deputy would consider how very general his observation is he would see there are instances where mergers can be protective and helpful. I would not be against all of them. I think there is a real doubt in this case and we are investigating it.
Is the Minister aware that this monopoly has led to much less favourable terms being offered to provincial merchants than heretofore? Is he also aware that they are being asked to accept unworkable quotas on a daily rather than on a weekly basis and that these are very restrictive also?
I have had a number of such representations. The Deputy will be aware that at a time of very sharp worldwide increases, and of some shortages, it is possible for exaggeration to take place. It is precisely because there is public disquiet on this matter that we are having it looked into by the Examiner of Restrictive Practices. If I get a clear indication from him I will respond readily.
Has the Minister considered that the quotas now being imposed on suppliers, that is in the retail trade, are based on 1972 figures when there was no oil crisis and no shortage of oil and that this is unrealistic in today's situation? Will he have the matter re-examined urgently? Secondly, do the Government intend to re-open native mines which they closed earlier this year to supplement coal supplies?
The whole matter of coal supplies and prices is being now investigated as a matter of urgency, in one instance by public inquiry. I think there is real cause for concern. In regard to native coal I have been in touch with both the IDA and other bodies which are potentially interested in the new energy situation and which, with coal much dearer, have been reexamining the question of the viability of one mine which was closed— and there is mining continuing—to see if we can establish a healthier coalmining industry. This is my wish just as much as the Deputy's.
The Minister is considering the re-opening of Ballingarry?
It is under examination.
Exactly what I told the Minister for Finance, Deputy Ryan, four or five months ago when it was closed. It should never have been done.
May I ask the Minister——
The Chair is anxious to make some worthwhile progress with questions.
——if there is any prospect of the Castlecomer mine being re-opened?
This seems to be a separate question.
I should be happy to answer these questions if they are put down.