asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take such steps as are necessary to arrange that the oil refinery companies will produce a higher quality of paraffin oil suitable for use in Tilly and Aladdin high-pressure lamps.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Paraffin Oil.
I exercise no control over the quality of the paraffin oil which is being distributed by the oil companies but I am informed that the quality of paraffin oil is up to pre-war standard.
I am sure the Minister is aware that there is only one grade of kerosene oil and that grade is not suitable for Tilly or Aladdin lamps. Could not the Minister make a suggestion to the oil refining companies to have a higher or finer grade of oil supplied for this purpose? In South Kerry and in other undeveloped areas it will take some time before rural electrification is carried out and I wonder if the Minister would endeavour to brighten the lives of those people in the meantime.
In fairness to the companies concerned, I may say that the following replies have been received to our inquiries. The Office of Public Works, which uses Tilly lamps, have no complaint about the quality of the oil; the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, which uses paraffin oil for engines and the lighting of sub-post offices, have no complaints; the Department of Lands, which uses quantities for various purposes, have no complaints; and the agents for the Aladdin and Tilly lamps have no complaints.
I can tell the Minister that there are several complaints in the area I represent.