andMr. Manning asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will state in respect of 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and for the first quarter of 1983 importing oil companies oil transfer prices per gallon.
Written Answers. - Oil Products.
839.
I assume the Deputies are referring to the prices which the oil companies pay for their imports of petroleum products.
I should explain to the Deputies that my function in relation to prices for oil products is the exercise of price control on selling prices. In this regard I am advised by the National Price Commission who examine and make recommendations to me from time to time on the oil companies' price applications. In the course of the commission's examination of these applications the oil companies are required, under powers contained in the Prices Acts, to provide verification of costs claimed in respect of product and operating costs. As the Deputies may appreciate details of an individual company's costs provided for these purposes are supplied on a confidential basis and I am precluded by the Price Acts from publishing such details.
840.
andMr. Manning asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism whether the National Prices Commission have completed the special review he asked them to complete of the whole pricing mechanism of oil products; if not, when he expects to receive the report; if he has received the report; whether he proposes to publish it; and the action he proposes to take arising out of the report.
I understand that the National Prices Commission have not yet completed their current review of price control procedures in relation to oil products. I have asked the commission to complete their work as soon as possible.
I will consider carefully any recommendation the commission may make to me in the matter and a decision concerning publication will be made at a later stage.
841.
andMr. Manning asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism whether he is aware that the percentage mark-up in oil products of the importing oil companies has more than doubled in Ireland since 1979; if so, whether he is satisfied that there is justification for such an increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I assume that the expression "percentage mark-up" used in the question, relates to the differences between the purchase price paid by the companies and the actual price realised at wholesale level.
There is no evidence available to me to suggest that an increase in percentage mark-up of the companies of the magnitude suggested in the question has taken place.