asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether an agreement was entered into with certain persons with the knowledge and approval of his Department to import coal from South Africa; and further, if he will state (a) the names of those persons, including anyone receiving commission out of these transactions; (b) the date upon which this approval was given; (c) the total amount of coal imported as a result of the agreement; (d) the c.i.f. value thereof; (e) the amount of commission agreed to for each person and the name of each such person, and (f) the amount of the subsidy from public funds involved in respect of this coal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of South African Coal.
Mr. R. Briscoe, T.D., was informed on 27th February, 1947, that there was no objection to the importation of South African coal. Three cargoes aggregating 26,708 tons of bituminous coal were later imported in the name of Connolly Shaw (Ireland) Ltd. The total c.i.f. value was about £140,000.
Commission at the rate of 6 per cent. was paid by Fuel Importers Ltd. to Connolly Shaw (Ireland) Ltd., in respect of two of the cargoes valued at approximately £93,000. The rate of commission, if any, on the third cargo, which arrived on the 25th March last, is under consideration.
On the 14th October, 1947, Donnelly and Sons, Ltd., Dublin, were informed that there was no objection to the importation of a cargo of South African anthracite. A cargo of 8,500 tons was recently imported by that firm in conjunction with Heiton & Co., Ltd., and Sheehan and Sullivan, Ltd. The c.i.f. value was about £46,000. The importers waived any claim for commission.
The amount of subsidy, if any, to be paid from public funds cannot be ascertained until the coal is finally disposed of by Fuel Importers Ltd.
Can the Minister state whether it is a fact that a Deputy of this House received a commission in respect of the importation of coal at a time when coal was in short supply?
I am not in a position to answer that question. I am informed that commission at the rate of six per cent. was paid by Fuel Importers, Ltd., to Messrs. Connolly Shaw (Ireland), Ltd., in respect of the two cargoes which I have mentioned.
Will it be possible for the Minister, at a later date, to give the information sought?
I do not know whether it will be or not. I understand that this coal was imported through Messrs. Connolly Shaw (Ireland), Ltd., and that it was with Messrs. Connolly Shaw (Ireland), Ltd., that Fuel Importers, Ltd., dealt.