asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that no facilities exist for the transport of coal for use by the inhabitants of Haulbowline; that they are at present compelled to purchase at an exorbitant price the pulverised German coal stored on the island, coal which the Minister has stated is of poor quality, and which the Medical Officer has certified as dangerous to the public health; that there is a good quality coal also stored which is being supplied to British warships in the harbour, and if he will give facilities to the residents for the purchase of supplies from this stock.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - HAULBOWLINE COAL SUPPLIES.
Mr. BOURKE
While there are no special facilities for the transport of coal from the mainland for the use of inhabitants of Haulbowline, such supplies as are needed have hitherto been transported gratuitously by the Government ferry-boat. There is no compulsion on the inhabitants of the island to purchase the continental coal stored there, which is being used in the dockyard services supplemented by small quantities of British coal when quick steam is required.
The very small quantity of British coal on the island is needed for the purpose named and also for the national school, to which supplies will now be given on the recommendation of the local medical officer of health. It is not desirable to purchase a fresh cargo of British coal for Haulbowline until the continental supply is exhausted. In these circumstances it is regretted that while there is no objection to sales to the inhabitants from the stock of continental coal, which is of the same quality as was used generally throughout the country during the coal shortage, there is now no spare stock of British coal for sale to them or to the British men-of-war in the harbour.