asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the overall percentage increase in the price of imported timber between January, 1973, and January, 1974; and the action, if any, that was taken to prevent the increase that occurred.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imported Timber.
161.
I understand that the percentage increase in the average cost of imported timber from January, 1973, to January, 1974, was 69 per cent.
I have no control over the price at which timber is made available for sale on world markets as the prices are determined outside the country. Importers of timber are not required to notify me of increases in their prices to compensate for increased landed costs, but under an order which I made on 26th June, 1973, they may not increase their profit margins, in cash terms, above the actual cash margins which obtained on 23rd June, 1973.