asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the quality of coal has deteriorated in recent weeks; and if he considered this factor when he sanctioned the recent price increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Quality.
182.
The recent price increases for Polish coal to which, on the advice of the National Prices Commission, I raised no objection were solely attributable to a price increase for coal already imposed by the Polish authorities and to increases in freight rates. I am not aware of any general deterioration in the quality of coal in recent weeks and I did not, therefore, take this factor into account in connection with the recent price increases.
Does the Minister consider native coal is of as good a quality as imported coal?
I am not an authority on the comparative qualities of coal.
I should like to ask the Minister a question and perhaps he would ask the Minister he is representing to investigate the matter. I can assure the Minister the quality of coal has deteriorated outside the Dublin area as well as in the city. Is it a fact that a cheaper quality coal is being imported and, if so, could a ministerial order be made to reduce the price?
On 22nd February the Minister announced that following consultation with the National Prices Commission he decided to establish a prices advisory body under the prices legislation to conduct a public inquiry into coal prices. I am sure the question of the quality will be taken into consideration.
Some people might think that a public inquiry is equivalent to "passing the buck". Is it not correct that when prices are being fixed quality should be a major consideration?
Of course.