asked the Minister for Supplies whether, in view of a possible shortage of coal, he will ascertain the amount of it likely to be required for blacksmiths' forges and make provision whereby adequate supplies will be available for them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Supplies for Blacksmiths.
Neither blacksmiths nor any other class of user can, in present circumstances, be promised adequate supplies, but the Deputy can be assured that every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that the coal requirements of blacksmiths' forges will be met to the maximum extent possible, having due regard to the supplies available for distribution from time to time.
Will blacksmiths who were not previously registered get a supply?
I would not like to answer that question without notice.
They do. If the Minister does not know, I do.
Will the Minister consider taking over lots of coal in certain areas if they are brought to his notice, coal that is quite suitable for blacksmiths? I am referring to coal that is lying there since the beginning of the war, principally in areas where there are factories. Will the Minister consider that?
I do not know that that is necessary. I should like to have more particulars of the circumstances the Deputy has in mind. A blacksmith gets a permit to purchase coal from any person who has a licence to sell coal. Any person who has not a licence to sell coal is not permitted to sell it, and a licensed person cannot sell except to those who hold permits. I would like to get particulars of the circumstances the Deputy has in mind.
A huge number of blacksmiths in my area have been brought to a standstill for want of coal, yet there are at least three dumps of coal containing something like 700 tons laid in by factories in my area. They got in supplies of coal but they do not want it. I believe they have intimated to the Department that they are willing to sell it, or to allow the Department to take it over.
Perhaps the Deputy will be good enough to supply me with particulars.