asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received representations from the Great Southern Railway Company regarding the extra annual expenditure likely to be imposed on the Company by reason of the duty imposed by the Government on British coal in the event of the railway company not being able to free themselves from the existing contracts for such purchases or not otherwise finding it possible to use other coal; and, if so, if he can state what is the amount of the extra annual expenditure involved, and whether it is intended to permit the company to import British coal, under licence, free of duty?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duty on British Coal.
Informal representations have been made by the Great Southern Railway Company regarding the effect of the import duty on British coal and the matter will be further discussed with representatives of the company at an early date. The company has estimated that the additional cost involved, if duty were paid on the whole of its requirements of coal, would be approximately £52,000 per annum. I have, however, no reason to believe that the company cannot obtain adequate supplies of suitable coal from non-British sources.
Have the company not reason to believe that they cannot obtain this coal from non-British sources?
If they have, they have not said so to me.
They have indicated that they are likely to lose £52,000 a year.
The Deputy is an adept at misrepresentation. That is not what I said. I am aware that the company have, in fact, imported cargoes of non-British coal.
They have intimated to their shareholders, stated publicly and made representations to the Minister that they are going to lose £52,000 a year.