asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the price of 100 concrete blocks in Northern Ireland and in the Republic; and the reason for the disparity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Concrete Block Prices.
25.
There are substantial differences in the prices of concrete blocks produced in the State by different firms. However, the average ex-works prices of 100 hollow nine inch concrete blocks and 100 solid four inch concrete blocks in the State are £18.72 and £12.20, respectively.
The information available is that comparable blocks are to be had in Northern Ireland at somewhat lower prices and I am asking the National Prices Commission to look into the matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that 100 blocks were recently purchased in the Republic of Ireland from a prominent builders' supplier in Dublin city for £22, and exactly the same blocks were purchased in Northern Ireland for £10? The price here is therefore more than 100 per cent in excess of that in Northern Ireland. Does the Parliamentary Secretary feel there is any justification for such a disparity? Does he propose to do anything about it?
I am aware that on average prices are significantly lower in Northern Ireland than here. I am also aware that there is an even greater difference between individual suppliers in the south. There are people who can sell at 50 per cent less than other suppliers. It is for these reasons that I have decided to ask the National Prices Commission to look into this matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the bulk of concrete blocks made in Northern Ireland are made from cement manufactured in the Republic, and that the price of the basic raw material must be therefore the same for manufacturers here as it is in the North?
My information would suggest the contrary. It seems that cement is available within Northern Ireland at a lower price than it is here. This is one of the reasons which can be identified. This is due to the fact that fuel is available to some of the cement makers in Northern Ireland at a lower price than here, because they are getting coal from the British Coal Board at a price significantly lower than any fuel available here. This is my information, which does not seem to tally with that of the Deputy.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary tell us where are the cement makers in Northern Ireland?
I cannot give that information.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept my word that there is no cement factory in Northern Ireland and that most of the cement is obtained from Cement Limited at Drogheda and Limerick?
My information is that cement is available——
It is not made in Northern Ireland.
——not necessarily produced in Northern Ireland.
The Parliamentary Secretary said it was made in Northern Ireland.
If I did I was incorrect. My information is that cement is available in Northern Ireland at prices which are lower than those obtaining here and this is one of the factors involved. I cannot say categorically that it is or is not made there, but I know it is available there.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary suggesting that Cement Limited are exporting cement to Northern Ireland at a lower price than they are selling on the home market?
I did not make that suggestion.
Is it not implied in what the Parliamentary Secretary said? If so, will he look into it?
That implication is not in what I said.
How do they compete?
Question No. 26 postponed.