asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that, towards the end of last year, permits for the use of coal were substituted for those relating to turf in the case of hotels in Wexford; that, in February, 1947, the permits for the use of coal were cancelled and the permits for the use of turf were not restored, and that, in those circumstances, the hotels are now without fuel of any description; and whether he will take steps to ensure that these hotels will be enabled to procure fuel to carry on their business of catering for the tourist traffic in Wexford area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotels' Fuel Supplies.
Mr. Corish
I am aware that allowances of coal in lieu of turf were made last autumn to certain hotels, including a number in Wexford, with a view to reserving all the available supplies of turf for the maintenance of the household ration over the winter. Because of the failure of imports these coal allowances have had to be discontinued. I could not agree to divert to hotels supplies of turf which are essential to the maintenance of a minimum domestic ration and in these circumstances hotel managements in common with industrial concerns generally must endeavour to meet their requirements by obtaining supplies of wood fuel by their own efforts. In areas where firewood will henceforth be rationed, licences will be given to hotel proprietors to purchase limited quantities from producers.