asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state approximately what quantity of (a) native, and (b) imported anthracite is likely to be available for consumers in Dublin City and county in the next eight months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Anthracite for Dublin.
It is not possible to supply the information sought by the Deputy. The Emergency Powers (Control of Coal) Order, 1941 and the Rationing Orders made by me from ration period to ration period are designed to distribute whatever coal supplies become available in the most equitable manner, but it is not possible to anticipate imports or to estimate future requirements throughout the country in such a manner as will enable one to arrive at an estimate of the quantities of native and imported anthracite likely to be available for consumers in Dublin City and county in the next eight months.
Is the Minister in a position to say (1) that he is satisfied that all the coal that it is possible to get out of Castlecomer is being got, and (2) when it may be expected that a substantial quantity of anthracite coal would be coming from Slieveardagh?
That is a question the Minister for Industry and Commerce would have to answer.
The Minister has not got statistics about the supply coming from Castlecomer, or whether the maximum output is being got?
Production is a matter for the Minister for Industry and Commerce at present, and is not one that I would be familiar with.