asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why supplies of anthracite coal for domestic cookers have become so irregular; and what steps he will take to ensure that authorised quotas shall be regularly delivered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anthracite Supplies.
Supplies of anthracite are available to meet the permitted allowances for domestic cookers, and the question of regular deliveries is one for arrangement between the permit holders and their fuel merchants.
Has the Minister's attention been directed to the fact that, particularly in and around the City of Dublin, small allottees, notably residents in the Crumlin area, have been told by their supplier that they have not got the anthracite and that, on occasion, these people have had to endure for ten or 12 days with their cooking apparatus out and have been forced to try and cook on the parlour fire on logs? Would the Minister look into that question with a view to ensuring that if these small purchasers cannot get supplies from their regular supplier they might place themselves in the hands of an officer of his Department who would refer them to some other supplier?
I am not aware that such is the case. The Deputy made representations to my Department on behalf of one lady. On inquiry it was ascertained that she was anxious to obtain anthracite beans and refused to take any other kind of anthracite fuel.
I can assure the Minister that, although I did make representations in regard to the case to which he is now referring, the information furnished to him is false. The lady in question asked for anthracite and I do not know if in her 90th year she knows the difference between anthracite beans, chips, logs, or anything else. She would be very glad to get anything. I assure the Minister that there was no stipulation of any kind.
Is the Minister aware that slates and stones are being delivered in the anthracite as part of the ration?
Can the Minister say whether an allottee of coal who is unable to get it may refer to an officer of his Department with a view to being referred to some other supplier if his own supplier is temporarily out of stock?
The supply of anthracite available is equivalent to the amount that can be purchased under permits. If the lady on whose behalf the Deputy made representations is prepared to take any other form of anthracite fuel except beans her merchant is in a position to supply her.
I am much obliged.