asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has requested the National Prices Commission to investigate the percentage of the sale price of animal feed represented by costs incurred in getting the imported constituents of the feed through the ports, and if so, if the Commission has satisfied itself with the efficiency of our ports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Animal Feed Port Costs.
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A comprehensive examination of the animal feedstuffs industry was carried out in 1973 by a firm of management consultants on behalf of the National Prices Commission, and the results were published as Occasional Paper No. 11. The examination did not include an investigation of the effect of port charges on animal feed prices. Having regard to the very wide product range available in the case of animal feedstuffs, the variety of raw materials used and the variations in the proportions blended, as well as the wide range and variety of port charges, it is doubtful if such an investigation would be of benefit to the NPC in their consideration of animal feed prices. For that reason, the National Prices Commission have not been asked to carry out a study of this kind.
Since January 1975 the commission have commented on port charges in four of their monthly reports, and have referred to the desirability of an overall review of national ports policy. The commission have expressed the view that a national ports policy was urgently required and that an effective ports policy would serve to improve the efficiency of our ports.
Is the Minister aware that a recent consignment of feed for a co-operative in the south of Ireland was £10 per ton, or more than 10 per cent, dearer as a result of port charges involved in getting the ingredients through the port and also as a result of delays in getting a berth and incidental charges at the port? That compares very unfavourably with any other port in the Community and puts industry and agriculture at a disadvantage. Will the Minister use her influence to do something about that?
The Minister has used his influence already because he brought the report of the NPC on ports to the attention of the Department of Tourism and Transport. The Department have informed us that they are actively considering a ports policy which, if it comes into force, will alleviate the problem mentioned by the Deputy.