asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that smiths' coal is being sold at 4/- to 10/- per cwt. to these tradesmen; if he will state the price fixed by his Department, and whether such price is according to grade and quality of the coal available for use; also, if he will state the price fixed wholesale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Smiths' Coal.
I have received no reports that smiths' coal is being sold at prices as high as 10/- per cwt. For a variety of reasons, it is not practicable successfully to fix maximum prices of coal by Order. Imported coals are purchased at different c.i.f. prices, according to the district from which they are imported, the freight charged, and the quality of the coal. In the case of native coals, production costs vary considerably, and it has been found necessary to sanction different prices for particular grades of coal according to the colliery from which they are produced, and the profits of these collieries are controlled. The accounts of fuel merchants are kept under review, and there is no evidence that excessive profits are being earned by them. If the Deputy has any evidence of suspected overcharging in any case, and furnishes the necessary particulars, the matter will be investigated.