asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in arriving at the figure of 11/6 per ton for standard turf delivered free on rail, he segregated (1) the value of turf itself; and (2) the costs of saving and delivery free on rail.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Turf.
The answer to the question is in the affirmative. It should, however, be explained that there is no obligation on any producer to supply standard peat at the price of 11/6 per ton. In local markets where the producer can deliver standard peat direct to the consumer, he will obviously expect and obtain a much higher figure, but where peat has to bear transport charges on rail or canal, and subsequent charges for delivery to the consumer, a higher price than 11/6 to the producer would, in my opinion, rule out any chance of peat competing successfully with coal.
Can the Minister inform me as to the figures, segregating the value of the turf itself?
11/6 per ton.
That is for the turf delivered free on rail. The question is addressed to the Minister for the purpose of ascertaining separately the value of the turf, and the cost of saving and delivering. Has the Minister made an estimate of the cost of saving?
We have no means of separating them. Obviously it would depend largely upon the distance the turf had to be transported. I have no means of estimating the cost of saving the turf.
May I ask if the question has been fully understood? The question is to ask the Minister if in arriving at the figure of 11/6 per ton for standard turf delivered free on rail he segregated (1) the value of the turf; and (2) the cost of saving and delivery free on rail.
That would vary in particular cases. The figure of 11/6 is entirely an experimental figure.
But did the Minister make separate calculations? The question asked if he made the calculations and he says he did. If so, I want him to give the House the figures upon which he made the calculation.
Is it not a fact that the figure given prominence to in the Minister's previous statement upon this matter was 10/6? Might I ask him if the figure has gone up 1/-?
Yes it has.