asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the foundries in Wexford have been partially closed down for some time, owing to the inability of the firms to obtain supplies of suitable coke; whether he is in a position to state if and when supplies of suitable foundry coke will be made available to these firms in adequate quantities; and whether, on the restoration of supplies, they will be kept up constantly in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foundry Coke Supplies.
Mr. Corish
The fuel difficulties experienced by foundries, in Wexford and elsewhere, during the past six months have been eased by the distribution of parcels of coke recently imported. A further consignment expected from the U.S.A. this week should keep the foundries in full production for some time to come. It will be appreciated that in the present circumstances, while every effort is is being made to procure suitable foundry coke, it is not possible to give any assurance as to continuity of supply.
Mr. Corish
Is the Minister aware that the American foundry coke he speaks of is not suitable and is he in a position to state what are the prospects of importing suitable foundry coke from Holland or Belgium?
So far as Holland and Belgium are concerned, I think the prospects are nil. So far as the quality of the American coke is in question, I may say it is the best quality we have been able to obtain.