asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the Government considered the question of accumulating and maintaining a reserve supply of good quality coal when substantial quantities of imported coal were available and the reasons which prompted them to decide against so doing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Reserves.
Until late in 1950, when the coal supply position in European producing countries began to deteriorate, the shortage which has since developed was not foreseen by anybody. Sufficient supplies for current consumption in this country were available. In view of this fact, and in view of the firm and binding nature of the Trade Agreement made with Britain in 1948, under which the British Government undertook to supply to Ireland not less than 1,570,000 tons a year of coal and other fuels, the Government did not consider it necessary to make any addition to the already substantial stocks held by Fuel Importers (Éire), Limited.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that representations were made to the Government to increase and maintain the reserves during 1948-49 when coal was available?
The Deputy is aware that we received more than the figure provided for in the agreement and, with the supplies already in the country, stocks were more than adequate to meet current consumption.
Is it not true that we have completely dissipated our existing stocks?
It is not true.
Is it not a fact that the Parliamentary Secretary was condemning all the questions about coal as a Fianna Fáil plot and scare, saying that there was no such thing as a coal crisis?