asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, arising out of his visit to London, what are the prospects of securing increased supplies of coal for essential needs for this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Supplies.
I discussed fully with the British Ministers the very serious situation in which this country finds itself by reason of the recent suspension of our imports of coal. I explained to them the gravity of the consequences which would be involved if the resumption of exports of coal from Great Britain is not permitted immediately.
While the British Ministers fully understood the grave and urgent character of our difficulties and expressed themselves as anxious to help us meet them, they naturally emphasised to me the very serious difficulties with which they have themselves been confronted in recent weeks as a result of the interruption of the production and transportation of coal in Great Britain by abnormal weather conditions. I was, however, given an assurance that our position would receive early consideration and that the Minister for Fuel and Power would authorise such exports of coal as circumstances in Great Britain may permit. Since my return, a cargo of 3,500 tons of coal has been made available to Córas Iompair Éireann and 500 tons of coke have been released for export to the Dublin Gas Company, but I have not yet been informed of the date and scale on which regular shipments may be resumed.
They are a wonderful people.