asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that 11-inch galvanised seamed buckets 32/34 lbs. are quoted at 6/2½d. per dozen less 2½ per cent. carriage paid by English manufacturers while Irish manufacturers quote 9/6 per dozen less 7½ per cent. and 2½ per cent. carriage forward for exactly the same article, and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the reasons for this disparity in price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Buckets.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.
I am making inquiries in the matter and shall be glad to consider any further evidence regarding the prices charged generally for galvanised hollow-ware goods which the Deputy may wish to submit to my Department; I will then consider whether the circumstances warrant referring the matter to the Prices Commission for investigation.
I take it that the Minister has treated as information the text of the question I have addressed to him in his capacity as Minister for Industry and Commerce, and I take it that I am to assume that that has set him on inquiry and that he will require explanation from these manufacturers of the disparity of 50 per cent., or almost 50 per cent., that exists between their prices and those quoted by extra-Saorstát suppliers?
I suggest that as the duty is only 30 per cent., the Deputy's figures appear to be incomprehensible.
I suggest that if the Minister knew his job he would recognise that large quantities of galvanised buckets are coming in over the duty at the present time. It is for that reason I have directed his attention to a situation in which one of his tariffs has broken down because of the profiteering activities of certain people.
They cannot be making much profits if they are not selling any.