asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state in respect of duff from native collieries for the last six months for which figures are available (a) the aggregate monthly output; (b) the monthly consumption; (c) the quantities used by (1) industry, (2) railways, (3) domestic users.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - “Duff” from Native Collieries.
I have no information in regard to the monthly output of duff from native collieries. The average monthly output of coal from these collieries during the six months ended 31st October last was in the aggregate over 14,000 tons. Generally speaking, I am advised that 30 per cent. of this output could be regarded as duff. I have no information as to the quantities of such duff used respectively by industry, railways and domestic users.
Will the Minister say whether, in fact, duff is accumulating at the pithead in the case of certain collieries—in Castlecomer, for example?
It could happen that a temporary accumulation of duff or coal at the pithead would take place, but the total output of coal in this country, plus the total imports of coal, are, at the present time, insufficient for industrial purposes.