asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that the price of coal has been increased on two occasions recently; and if he will state whether he has authorised these increases and, if so, on what grounds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Prices.
I have authorised increases in the prices of imported coal on the grounds of increased freights and war risk insurance. In addition, there have been seasonal increases in the prices of household coals, due to the extra prices charged each year by colliery owners to importers in Éire as from the 1st October.
Is the Minister satisfied that the creation of an agency to buy larger quantities of coal, through the instrumentality of that agency, would not enable the price of coal to be substantially reduced?
That is a separate question.
Is the Minister aware that supplies of coal from mines in Éire are at present taking from six weeks to four months to deliver? Can he take any steps to expedite delivery?
That, too, is a separate question.
That may not be due to any circumstances created by the war.
Mr. Brennan
asked the Minister for Supplies whether, in view of the fact that when fixing the price which has to be paid in Éire for British coal, Éire is regarded as part of the British home market, he will state why the same principle has not been applied when fixing the price which has to be paid in Great Britain for Éire eggs, and what action he has taken, or proposes to take, to obtain reciprocity.
The assumption in the first part of the Deputy's question is incorrect. The prices of British coal shipped here are lower than the corresponding inland prices in Great Britain. The answer to the second part of the question is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture.