asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what grade of locomotive coal has been bought for import from U.S.A. to Ireland; and what is the average cost f.o.q. U.S.A. port.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Imports.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what grade of bituminous coal has been purchased for import from U.S.A. to Ireland, and what is the average cost of the coal f.o.q. U.S.A. port.
I propose to take questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The coal is purchased on a stated analysis as to the carbon volatility, ash, moisture and sulphur content, its value in British thermal units and its fusing point. No two cargoes are necessarily alike. I am not clear, therefore, what the Deputy means when he asks what grades of locomotive or bituminous coals have been purchased in the U.S.A. I am not in a position to give the f.o.q. cost of the coals, as they are bought on an f.o.b. basis. The c.i.f. price at Dublin is around 20/22 dollars per ton for East Coast coal.
(1) Is the Minister not aware that in regard to locomotive coal, in any case, in the United States grading is available to purchasers?
(2) Is it not true that a considerable proportion of the coal purchased is West Coast coal and is the Minister not in a position to give the House any information as to what the c.i.f. price at Dublin of that West Coast coal would be?
I am afraid that the Minister could not at the moment give a very close estimate.
Would the Minister inform us why it is that the Irish Purchasing Mission found itself constrained to purchase West Coast coal when several cargoes of East Coast coal were being offered and are now being offered on the Exchange in Liverpool to anybody who has money to purchase it and has an export licence from the United States Government? Why do you buy West Coast coal when plenty of East Coast coal is available?
As far as I understand, all the East Coast coal which was available for purchase was taken.
If the Minister is approached by some person outside the charmed circle of Coal Importers, Limited, with an application for a licence to import a cargo of East Coast coal which is on the ocean will the import licence be forthcoming?
I am sure the Minister would be delighted.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that cargoes of first grade New River Pocahontas coal from U.S.A. are on offer at £5 5s. 3d. c.i.f. United Kingdom port and second quality locomotive coal at £4 15s. 3d. c.i.f. United Kingdom port; and whether he will inform Dáil Éireann why similar coal is described as costing £8 to £9 at Irish ports.
I have seen it stated in Lloyd's list that New River Pocahontas coals have been offered for shipment to the United Kingdom at the prices quoted by the Deputy. The prices of similar coals imported into this country from U.S.A. Texas ports correspond with these figures.
No coal imported into this country costs £8 or £9 per ton at Irish ports.
Would the Minister say why in published statements the allegation that this coal would probably cost between £8 and £9 at an Irish port was allowed to pass uncontradicted by the Government Information Service? Apparently freight rates and other charges are being advanced on the basis that the incoming coal is far more expensive than coal coming from British sources and is the Minister aware that this is the reason why freight rates and other charges based on the price of coal have to be advanced?
I think some misleading reports were issued upon which the Deputy is, apparently, relying. Coal is not costing anything like £8 or £9 a ton.
I quite agree. Is the Minister aware that I am not relying upon these misleading reports but that those who want to raise freight rates by 20 per cent. all round, those who want to raise rates for gas and other by-products of coal——
The Deputy is not asking a question. The Deputy is making a speech.
The Minister says I may be relying on these reports. I am not. Is the Minister aware that other people are, and that they represent their right to charge the public of this country higher prices on the contention that these coals will cost around £8 or £9 when, in fact, they are going to cost about £5?
That matter will be looked after.
I hope so.