asked the Minister for Supplies if, in view of the bad condition of the supply of turf available to the poor of Waterford City, he will give permission to Fuel Importers (Éire), Ltd., to open for sale firewood dumps to the extent of at least 25 per cent. of their requirements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford City Turf Supply.
The stocks of firewood in Waterford City are, as in other parts of the non-turf areas, held as a fuel reserve against a major emergency. It is not proposed to release the firewood at present. The quality of the turf being supplied in Waterford is being investigated in consequence of complaints received from consumers.
Is the Minister aware of the condition of the timber there? It is deteriorating and if it is not used it will become a complete loss. Will he consider releasing 25 per cent. of the timber for use by the people of Waterford during the remaining winter months? The condition of the turf, I understand, is very bad. I have been asked by the Board of Assistance in Waterford to draw attention to this matter.
The stocks of timber there have been built as a reserve against a major emergency. Those stocks will not be released. I do not think any of us can contemplate that the danger of the emergency against which these stocks have been created has passed. Circumstances could arise when there would be no fuel available for Waterford or elsewhere except these reserve stocks and they are being held against that contingency.