Vol. 395 No. 9
155 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has received any interim findings from the Director of Consumer Affairs on his investigation into the margins on smokeless fuels in Dublin; when he expects a full report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have not yet received any findings from the director in regard to his investigations into the price structure of coalite as compared to coal. Some data has been received by the director and consideration is being given to the appropriate way to deal with this. Consequent on the decision of the Government to prohibit the supply and distribution of coal in the Dublin area, competition among the suppliers of smokeless fuels, of which coalite is but one, should be more in evidence. I am asking the director to monitor developments in relation to the supply of these products with a view to ensuring the development and maintenance of a competitive market.
