asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has sanctioned an increase in the price of paraffin oil, and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Paraffin Oil.
The answer is "No". Under the Kerosene (Maximum Prices) (No. 3) Order, made in September, 1951, price control in relation to paraffin oil extends only to the margin to be taken on sales by retailers. No increase in this margin was included in price adjustments recently announced by the wholesale suppliers.
Is the Minister aware that the price has gone up?
I am aware of the fact that in 1951 my predecessor made an Order known as the Kerosene (Maximum Prices) Order, in which he advised retail margins and these retail margins have not been increased.
Major de Valera
But the prices of all these commodities listed have gone up.
I have informed Deputy Hilliard that the margin allowed on the imported price and on the sale price of the commodity is the same now as it was when that Order was made by my predecessor in 1951.
Will the Minister say what he is doing about margins now?
Major de Valera
This then is a question of increased costs, operating costs, overheads and raw material: is that the reason for the increase?
The Deputy should think again and ascertain where paraffin oil comes from.
Major de Valera
In the case of paraffin oil, that may seem a quick answer. In the case of the other commodities, where does the increase come in?
I have answered the question which the Deputy put.
Major de Valera
What is the factor causing an increase in the price of the material to the consumer?