asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that at a recent meeting of the Cork Harbour Commissioners a Cork firm was declared the successful contractor for the supply of dredger buckets but due to this firm's inability to obtain a supply of foundry coke the contract had to be refused and was subsequently given to a Dublin firm whose tender was 50 per cent. higher than that of the Cork firm; and, if so, whether he will ensure that in future supplies of foundry coke will be made available for Cork foundries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coke for Cork Foundries.
I am not aware of the position as stated in the first part of the question.
Foundry coke is in world-wide short supply and such small quantities as we have been able to obtain have been distributed to foundries on the instructions of my Department and in these allocations the Cork foundries have got their share. Every possibility of getting further supplies of foundry coke is being explored.
Is there any possibility that the Minister will give an undertaking that any future cargoes of coal will not by-pass Cork, come to Dublin, and then go back again to Cork?
This question relates to foundry coke.