asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the great hardship being caused to blacksmiths and their customers owing to the very poor quality of the coal with which they are supplied, causing excessively costly work, serious delay and general dissatisfaction; and if he will be prepared to allocate a percentage of steam coal as distinct from smith's coal, to enable blacksmiths to carry on their important work for agriculture and haulage in a satisfactory manner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Steam Coal to Blacksmiths.
I am aware that blacksmiths, in common with other industrial coal users, are experiencing difficulties as a result of the poor quality of the coal now available. Blacksmiths are not restricted to any particular grade of bituminous coal and within the present limited quality range it is a matter for themselves to procure the most suitable coal on offer.