asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state his Department's proposals for the safeguarding of the fuel supplies for domestic purposes for the coming winter months; and if he can assure the public that the present rate of cutting of turf and timber is sufficient to meet the quantity required for the winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Domestic Fuel Supplies.
Turf and timber production are affected by so many factors over which I have no control that I am quite unable to give the assurance which the Deputy desires. I have repeatedly emphasised that anyone who wishes to be fully assured of his winter requirements should take steps to produce the necessary turf on his own behalf.
Will the Minister or the Government put pressure on those responsible for the bringing of turf or wood blocks into the City of Dublin and not wait until the people suffer such hardships as they went through last winter? Will the Government urge them to bring in the necessary fuel?
The Deputy may take it that that is being done.
Is the Minister aware that a very large number of people in this city who placed their orders with their coal merchants for the April-May quota of fuel were informed on 1st June that, inasmuch as the fuel had not reached Dublin, they could not be supplied and that they would not be supplied if and when the fuel reached Dublin; that they must forgo the quota for the period; that the quota for the June-July period would be delivered if and when it came to hand; but that the April-May quota must be regarded as abandoned? Does the Minister think that that is equitable to those who have done all that lay in their power to lay in a stock of fuel as directed by the Minister?
Apart from the question of justice, there was not enough turf for everybody and, therefore, somebody had to go short.
Is the Minister aware that on the representation that the Minister was going to give enough turf to everybody and no surplus to the few, he prohibited persons from sending fuel to individual consignees, which could have been done in a vast number of cases, but which was prohibited because the Minister stated that he was going to see that every individual got his ration, no more and no less? What has happened is that a great many people have not got their ration and those who can supply them by gift or delivery will not be allowed to do so.
The Deputy is repeating his question.
Will the Minister consider easing the restrictions on private lorry owners and allow them to bring turf and wood blocks into the city to supplement the national pool?
I am afraid that is another question which the Deputy will have to put to the Minister.
It is related very much to the other.
In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory reply, especially to Deputy Blowick's supplementary question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the adjournment of the House to-night.
That is a new question, I am afraid.
Let the responsible Minister be here to answer.
A question on the adjournment must arise out of a question on the Order Paper.
I give notice that I shall raise it.