asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the quantity of coal mined at Arigna, Castlecomer and Slieveardagh, and the number of men employed in each of the mines during 1951, and (b) the price realised ex-colliery for the coal sold during 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Productions.
The particulars asked for by the Deputy cannot be given, since the Statistics Act 1926 does not permit the disclosure of information in regard to individual concerns, without the prior consent of the concerns in question which has not been obtained in this case. It can, however, be stated that the returns made under the Census of Industrial Production show that the total production of coal by all mines for the year 1950 amounted to 169,177 tons and that the average number of wage earners employed in the same year was 1,250. The average price per ton of coal ex-colliery in that year was £3 7s. For the first three quarters of 1951 it is estimated that the output of coal was 127,000 tons and that the average number of wage earners employed was 1,252. Information as to the output in the fourth quarter or as to the price obtained ex-colliery in that year is not yet available.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if his attention has been directed to the statement in the public Press that the price of coal ex-Irish collieries is now £13 per ton and will he explain why the price of coal from Irish collieries should go up from £3 5s. a ton to £13?
It has not.
What is the price ex-Irish collieries?
Put down the question.
The question was asked.
The price last year was £3 7s. per ton. Information as to the price obtained ex-colliery this year is not yet available.
It is at the rate of £13 a ton.