asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that in some County Cork seaports, such as Youghal, Kinsale, etc., there are some small stocks of coal held by merchants and that there are prospects of further cargoes arriving; and, seeing that no turf is available in these towns and can be got only at long distances and at very great expense, will he permit the merchants in these seaport towns to continue to sell their present stocks of coal and to import future cargoes for sale, as hitherto, in the towns and rural neighbourhoods around them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Coal Imports.
Mr. Broderick
asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that as a consequence of the scheduling of Cork as a turf area, hundreds of tons of coal contracted and paid for by coal merchants in at least one town in Cork cannot now be imported without a permit; that in the portion of Cork County which is not a turf area a supply of coal is urgently needed, and that if permits are not granted for the import of coal into Cork the supply of the quantity contracted for, some of which is on its way, will be diverted from this country leaving the people without the only fuel they can procure, and, further, whether he is aware of the serious position in which public institutions and industries in the area referred to will be placed as a consequence.
I will take questions 5 and 6 together. There appears to be some misunderstanding in regard to the importation and sale of coal as a consequence of the recent order bringing the remainder of County Cork within the turf area. No permits are required for the importation of coal into any part of the State, whether in the scheduled area or elsewhere, and importers who are in a position to import coal should continue to do so. Any coal at present in County Cork seaports, or any which may be imported in the future will be available for sale to any persons, public institutions or industries holding permits under the Emergency Powers (Control of Fuel) Order for the purchase of coal.
There is, I think, some misunderstanding, as the Minister says, with regard to this matter, but there is also some misunderstanding in the Ministerial mind with regard to it.
I do not think so.
Is it not a fact that these coal importing ports were scheduled some time ago as part of the coal area, and, that being so, that persons in these districts will not get permission to buy turf? Now suddenly, when they have a little coal in stock, and when there is a chance of getting coal, they are told that they are no longer coal areas, that they must get turf, and that they will not be allowed to sell this coal, except by special permission of the Minister. They cannot offer this coal freely for sale.
The Deputy should read his question again and he will find out who is guilty of a misunderstanding.
Mr. Broderick
As this is a very important matter, and as its reactions are not clearly understood, I propose to raise it on the adjournment.