asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has examined the possibility of encouraging local enterprise to obtain anthracite coal from scattered outcrops in the Kilkenny area and elsewhere, with a view to supplying local demands, if so, with what result, and, if not, if he will undertake to do so at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anthracite Supplies.
Coal production in the present emergency is governed by the supply of skilled labour and equipment available. These can best be utilised in existing mines. New workings would not necessarily increase the total output of coal but might result in a reduction through the transfer of skilled workers to less productive mines.
If any interested group submits proposals for exploiting deposits of surface coal they will be given all possible assistance (including the information available in the Geological Survey) provided that unskilled labour only be employed and that items in short supply (such as explosives) will not be required.