asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the prices of bellman's coal obtaining in Dublin during the years 1939, 1940, and at the present time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Coal.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the prices of household coal obtaining in Dublin during the years 1939, 1940, and at the present time.
I propose to answer these two questions together, since the available particulars relate to only one description of coal. The predominant retail prices of household coal as used by the wage-earning classes in Dublin City at the dates indicated in the years 1939 and 1940 were as follows:—
|
1939 |
1940 |
|||
|
Price per bag. |
||||
|
s. |
d. |
s. |
d. |
|
|
February |
3 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
|
May |
2 |
11 |
3 |
8 |
|
August |
3 |
0 |
3 |
10 |
|
November |
3 |
6 |
3 |
10 |
It should be pointed out that these prices have been derived from the few returns which are collected in Dublin City in connection with the computation of the official cost-of-living index numbers for which purpose it is necessary only that the national average prices of the commodities should correctly reflect the general trend. Mid-November, 1940, is the last date for which the inquiry was made.
What is the difficulty about answering Question No. 29?
Is the Minister not able to get from the coal distributors in Dublin the average price charged for household coal per ton?
I am afraid not. The information I have given is the only information we have in our Department.
Are we to understand that the cost-of-living index figure is compiled with reference to the price of bellman's coal in the City of Dublin?
Mainly with reference to that class of coal which is predominantly used by the wage-earning classes in Dublin City.