asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give particulars of the raw materials, such as coal and steel, in respect of which Great Britain operates a differential export price system, showing in each case the price charged on the British market and the price charged for the same raw materials when exported to Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Export Price System.
There are so many types, varieties and qualities of steel and other raw materials imported here from Britain that it would not be possible to give the information requested in the Deputy's question. In the case of coal, prices quoted are affected by quality, size and other factors, but, in general, the differential between the home prices and those for export to Ireland appears to be about 25/- per ton.
That is in the case of coal only?
Yes.
There is no information available as regards steel?
It would be impossible to get a reliable calculation because there are so many varieties of steel.
May the House take it that there is no substantial variation?
No substantial variation.