With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
I am aware of the statements of the Cork Gas Company on 13th October, 1967.
I am informed by the Board that two distinct offers of appliances were made recently. The first was sponsored by Electrical Industries Ireland, Limited, and was available to all electrical traders selling that firm's cookers as well as to the Board's showrooms.
The second offer was made in connection with the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the board. Such offers are a common feature of present day merchandising particularly in the field of consumer durables.
I do not agree that aspects of the present ESB policy are wasteful to the national economy or aim at the replacement of gas by electricity. No measurable increase in electricity generating capacity has taken place or is likely to take place in order to provide for any replacement of gas by electricity for cooking.
I am satisfied that as in other countries a healthy competition between gas and electricity helps to maintain efficiency in both services and reacts to the benefit of consumers.