asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the difficulties Irish coal importers are experiencing in getting coal supplies from Great Britain; and, if so, if he proposes to take any steps to improve the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Supplies.
I am aware that Irish coal importers have had difficulty in getting coal supplies from Great Britain. The difficulty arose, mainly, out of the dislocation in the distribution of coal which was caused by the abnormal weather conditions in the early part of the year. It is anticipated, as a result of steps recently taken, that normal supplies will be available within the next few weeks.
Is the Minister aware that the coal is going to go up half a crown a ton from next Wednesday? I am sure that the reason for the difficulty in getting coal at the moment is that they are waiting for the half a crown to go on as from next Wednesday.
Possibly the Minister is aware of that—I do not know.
They are taking a leaf out of our sugar company's book.
Is the Minister aware that it is commonly said in the coal trade that one of the reasons for the inadequacy of supplies is the preference that is being given by British coal suppliers to orders originating in Italy and Spain, consequent on the stoppage of German supplies to these countries? In the light of that, will the Minister take steps to see that normal Irish requirements are attended to pari passu with those required in Italy and Spain?
I am not sure whether there is anything in what the Deputy says, but the Minister points out in his reply that it is anticipated, as a result of steps recently taken, that normal supplies will be available within the next few weeks.
It is no wonder, when coal will be half a crown a ton dearer.