asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that while the average price per ton of cement imported into the Free State during the month of January was only 8d. more than the average price per ton of cement imported during the months of October and November, 1935, persons in the City of Dublin on the 3rd February were charged 44/- per ton for cement similar to that purchased by them for 38/- on the 26th November last, and whether he is aware of any reason why the retail cost of cement should have risen by 6/- a ton during a period in which the import cost had only risen by 8d. a ton; and, if so, if he will state what are these reasons; and, if not, whether he proposes to make any inquiry into the matter and take any action.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Cement.
I am not satisfied that the difference in the average price per ton of cement imported as shown in the figures given for October and November, 1935, and January, 1936, in my reply to the Deputy on the 20th of last month can be related to the retail price of cement early in February in the manner suggested by the Deputy. I am aware, however, that there has been a recent increase in the retail price of cement, the reasons for which, so far as I know them, are unsatisfactory. The question of cement prices is at present being examined by the Prices Commission in their investigation into the costs of building materials.
Will the Minister say what redress people have who are charged these exorbitant prices at the present time? Will he further say if the import price of cement at the port here cannot be related as a basic price to the prices that are being charged for cement to persons buying cement here, what figure can we get for cement that may be related to the retail price so that the ordinary public can keep a check and ascertain whether the price charged is reasonable or not?
Dr. Ryan
I think these questions should be put to the Prices Commission who are investigating the matter.
The Prices Commission are investigating the matter! In the meantime, on the 3rd February last, a person was charged 6/- extra in the city for cement where the import price had risen as against November last only by 8d. per ton. How long are the public going to remain in that position before the Prices Commission give them any redress?
Dr. Ryan
It is a matter for the Prices Commission. I hope the Deputy has supplied that information to the Commission.
Has the Minister for Industry and Commerce given any consideration to the matter as to whether this has arisen directly out of the suggestion that British cement was going to be allowed in here?
Dr. Ryan
I do not know. Would the Deputy think that the price of cement was unduly high for the ten years he was in office?
That is another question.
We are concerned with the swing of prices here from month to month at the present time.
Arising out of the Minister's reply——
Question No. 11.