asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if a further increase in the cost of gas and electricity may be expected soon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gas and Electricity Costs.
34.
I have no proposal on hands from the Dublin Gas Company for an increase in the price of gas. The question of further increases will depend mainly on the cost to the Gas Company of supplies of naphtha, the main raw material used by them.
In regard to electricity, the position is that the recommendation of the National Prices Commission in relation to an increase in ESB charges was published recently in the Commission's monthly report for May, 1974. The Press release issued by the Government Information Services in connection with that report stated that increases recommended by the Commission in ESB charges were under consideration by the relevant Departments. This is still the position.
Would it be possible to put a naphtha cracker at the existing oil refinery and let them produce naptha to save importing it?
That is a separate question.
Does the Deputy mean at the existing refinery in Cork, at Whitegate?
Yes.
I do not know the answer to that off the top of my head but I understand that it supplies only half of our market and since our prices are tied to the outer zone prices of the United Kingdom I am not certain that this would make a difference. I cannot give a detailed answer to the Deputy without investigating the matter. If he wishes I can have it looked into and communicate with him directly.
Thank you.