Vol. 318 No. 4
andMr. Kelly asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the monopoly situation that exists in relation to the importation and distribution of coal supplies in the Dublin area and the public apprehension occasioned by the possible extension of this monopoly to other parts of the country.
31.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the steps, if any, he has taken, in consultation with interests involved, to encourage competition in coal distribution in the Dublin area.
32.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the present monopoly situation in the distribution of coal in the Dublin area which is not operating to the advantage of the consumer.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 31 and 32 together.
I am aware that a monopoly situation exists in relation to the importation of coal supplies in the Dublin area. A similar situation does not exist in respect of distribution, as two thirds of requirements are delivered by bell-men, and the remainder by the principal importer.
I am not aware of any proposals to extend to other parts of the country the monopoly situation existing in respect of importation of coal into the Dublin area.
As I have indicated in reply to previous questions, the situation as to importation and distribution of coal supplies in the Dublin area has been the subject of a number of investigations over the past seven years. None of these investigations confirmed that difficulties in supplying the market could be attributed to abuse of a monopoly position. Nevertheless, I believe that the supply position could be improved if other interests apart from the present importer were to engage in the importation of coal and I hope that every encouragement will be given to people who may have plans of this kind in mind.
What kind of encouragement has the Minister in mind?
The most tangible form of encouragement that can be given to new interests to engage in the importation of coal within the Dublin area would be the provision of suitable berthage and storage facilities in the Dublin port area. This is primarily a matter for the Dublin Port and Docks Board and my Department have no function here.
Does the Minister not see any likelihood of his Department being able to politely twist the arm of any of the interests involved in order to provide more than words by way of encouragement?
Berthage and storage facilities is a matter for the Dublin Port and Docks Board and I am anxious that any importer or intending importer will be facilitated by the board. I am as anxious as the Deputy to see competition in this industry.
I have no reason to find fault with the port and docks board so I hope my question will not be misinterpreted. Has the Minister inquired from the port and docks board whether it is possible for them to make these facilities available?
It is not a matter that comes within my control. It is a matter for the port and docks board and it is a matter for individual importers or intending importers to negotiate independently with the board.
We know that, but this Government are supposed to be interested in consumers. It is because of the consumer interest that Deputy O'Toole and myself and presumably Deputy O'Leary put these questions down. Is the Minister interested in making a few telephone calls, if nothing more, in the interests of the consumer, if the telephones in the Department are working?
Deputy, please.
Is the Minister aware that there are moves afoot to extend the monopoly in Dublin to at least two other ports and, if so, is the Minister not now shifting the onus for takeovers and so on onto the Dublin Port and Docks Board?
There is no evidence of an extension by CDL of their activities into other parts of the country. However, in the course of a recent meeting with the Minister about price control CDL suggested that because their prices were much lower than those obtaining at other east coast ports, there was a tendency for retailers to obtain supplies from CDL at the expense of importers in other areas. A hardening of this tendency could lead to an extension of the CDL monopoly but there is no information to suggest that this might be the case.
Will the Minister look into this because at the moment importers are importing through two other ports and CDL are showing an interest in their activities?
If the Deputy gives me the details I will have them examined immediately.
Questions Nos. 33 and 34 are for written reply.
Can we take it that the Minister's Department are seriously concerned at the spread of this monopoly into other towns where it does not yet exist?
We will have a look at a situation in the light of information given to us.
Thanks very much.
Question No. 35, please.
