asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the nature, quantity and value of stores at present accumulated in his Department, and how long such stores will last, according to normal plans of development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post Office Stores.
Stores held by my Department are classified under two headings, viz, engineering stores, comprising telecommunication instruments, apparatus components and materials and postal and general stores, comprising a wide variety of different items and including uniform clothing and materials, mechanical transport and cycles. The quantities of stores at present held are estimated to be sufficient to last on an average for one (1) to one and one-half (1½) years at normal consumption rates.
I may add that arrangements already made by my Department will shortly result in a sufficient increase in stocks held to ensure, in the event of interruption of supplies, the maintenance of all services and the continuation of the programme of telephone development at present in progress or planned.