asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the price of nitrogenous fertiliser was increased this week by £5.63 per ton; the date on which application was made to the National Prices Commission for this increase; the date on which the National Prices Commission recommended the increase; and the date on which he sanctioned it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Prices.
54.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the recent increases by Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta in their prices for calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate.
In accordance with existing arrangements, Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta notified me on 21st June, 1974, of their intention to increase the prices of calcium ammonium nitrate by £5.65 per ton and of ammonium sulphate by £4.62 per ton. This notification was referred to the National Prices Commission who, having examined the proposal, recommended on 25th June, 1974, that there should be no objection to the price increases proposed, as they were the minimum necessary to compensate the company for vouched increased material, labour and overhead costs. The firm was notified accordingly on 2nd July, 1974.
The Deputy will recall that, in replying to a question by him on 3rd July, I stated in the course of my reply that I had not received notice of any expected increase in fertiliser price. This was an error for which I apologise to the Deputy.
55.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a firm (name supplied) in County Meath has increased the price of the compound fertiliser 10.10.20; and whether he has given sanction for this increase.
I understand that the firm in question increased the price of 10.10.20. fertiliser by £3.50 per ton with effect from 10th April, 1974. This price increase was necessary to compensate the firm for a similar increase in the cost of the fertiliser to them, and my approval of the increase was not therefore required.
Would the Minister agree that it seems strange that an increase in price had not to be referred to him for sanction? Am I to take it that other firms can follow suit and put up the price of 10.10.20 and other compound fertilisers?
I think one needs to differentiate between a fertiliser manufacturer and someone who would in fact be a retailer of fertilisers. What this firm was doing was passing on the amount of an increase to them. I understand they were passing it on in full but there was no addition to what they had to pay extra. In these circumstances, my approval is not required and that applies to any such firm.
Has the Minister any application before his Department at present, or the National Prices Commission, for an increase in fertiliser prices?
The Deputy is broadening the subject matter.
I do not know the answer to that without warning, but I will try to get an accurate answer the next time if the Deputy puts down the question.
Perhaps the Minister would let me know because it is tending to be widely mentioned in the trade at present.
If the Deputy will have a word with me afterwards, I will arrange to have a communication with him.