asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that during the week ended March 13th the retail price of household coal in north County Dublin was 2/9 a bag, equivalent to 44/- a ton, while the average pit-head price in Great Britain was 13/2 a ton; whether he is aware that the average import value per ton at Saorstát ports of all coal imported in recent months was approximately 26/- per ton; whether, having regard to the fact that the retail price of coal in north County Dublin is 18/- per ton in excess of the average import price and 30/10 in excess of the pit-head price, he will cause an investigation to be made into the several factors which contribute to these differentials.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Coal.
I am aware that during the week ended March 13th the retail price of a certain class of household coal sold in north County Dublin was 2/9 per bag, equivalent to 44/- per ton. I am aware that the average pit-head price of coal in Great Britain was 13/2 per ton, but this average includes cheap slack and duff selling at 5/- to 6/- per ton at pit-head, and also steam and gas coals, which are from 4/- to 7/- per ton cheaper than household coals. Consequently, the average pit-head price of household coals would be considerably higher than 13/2 per ton. The average c.i.f. value of household coal imported during the month of January last was 26/6 per ton. I may state that both the import prices and the retail prices of coal are under constant review, and I am satisfied that at the moment undue profits are not being taken in the sale of coal.