In relation to price control, since his appointment has the Minister had an opportunity to look at the pricing arrangements of petroleum products, particularly at the pump? If he has done so, will he accept that excess profits are being made by the distribution companies?

I have sought information in regard to petroleum products because that is one area of concern in relation to seeing whether prices have come down sufficiently. That examination is being carried out. The Deputy will appreciate that my first two-and-a-half weeks in office were engaged in a budgetary discussion, but I assure the Deputy and the House that it is part of my concern and I will take any action I can when I establish what the true position is.

(Limerick East): Pursuant to the powers invested in the Minister under the Prices Act with regard to control of petroleum prices, are the powers invested in the Minister for Industry and Commerce or the Minister for Energy?

Following discussions held during the regime of the previous Government, the Department of Energy and the then Taoiseach decided in early March 1987 that price control would not be introduced on petroleum products but that the Department of Industry and Commerce would be responsible for regular monitoring of wholesale prices of such products and that the Department of Energy would supply this Department with all the necessary information required to do the task. Procedures to implement this decision have already been put in place.

(Limerick East): Who now has departmental responsibility for controlling petrol prices? Is it the Minister for Industry and Commerce or the Minister for Energy?

The Minister for Industry and Commerce.