asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the coal imports from America, after safeguarding supplies for gas production and essential industries, will permit of an allocation for domestic use; and furthermore, if he will state whether he has examined or will examine the possibilities of securing additional supplies of coal from South Africa.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal for Domestic Use.
Gas, rail and electricity services, as well as industrial production generally, are still on a restricted basis by reason of inadequate coal supplies. Having regard to the uncertainty of the flow of U.S.A. coal the actual arrival of supplies here must be a determining factor in assessing the claims of the different consumer interests.
The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.