asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the grave annoyance and inconvenience caused to small traders in West Cork by reason of the recent decision of the oil companies not to supply kerosene in quantities of less than forty gallons; and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to rectify their grievance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limitation of Kerosene Supplies
I have no knowledge of the recent decision to which the Deputy refers. The rationing of kerosene was abolished some years ago and I have now no function as regards the distribution of this commodity.
Am I to understand that the Minister condones the action of these companies?
No. I said I had no knowledge of it. I have no control over the distribution of kerosene.
Would it not be a function of the Minister's to get that knowledge as this is such an important matter?
The distribution and sale of kerosene is left to private enterprise with which the Government does not interfere.
As the company has a monopoly of the trade I think it is a function of the Minister's to step in and prevent them from doing this.
I am not aware that a particular company has a monopoly of the trade.
Has the Minister any function in regard to prices?
Yes.
In that respect would not the Minister have some control?
Will the Minister not consider, in his position as Minister for Industry and Commerce and Tánaiste, saying to the oil companies, in view of the special social circumstances in the west of Ireland where there are small distributors, that it was his considered judgment that these powerful companies should go part of the way to meet the exigencies of their circumstances? He is not so lacking in influence as all that, and I am sure the oil companies, if he will direct their attention to it, will put the matter right.
A major error in political responsibility is to take responsibility without power. I will not take responsibility without power.
I am suggesting to the Minister that he should take neither one course nor the other but that he should act as a rational man.
In view of the seriousness of this matter, will the Minister give a guarantee that he will make representations to these oil companies to continue the policy which obtained for years past and give their customers the small supplies of oil which they require in view of the fact that there are a large number of small traders in west Cork and I am sure in other parts of Ireland who look to the Department to intervene so as to prevent the companies which have a monopoly of the trade from doing what they like?
Does the Minister believe that private enterprises such as these petrol companies should be allowed to exploit the general public?
There is no question of exploitation. It is a question of the system of delivery which is entirely at their discretion.