asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what steps he proposes to take to relieve the unemployment situation in the Wolfhill coal mines.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Wolfhill Coal Mines.
Mr. O'Higgins
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to questions about the anthracite mines on 25th March and 13th May in which I indicated the steps which have been taken to help the Irish mines, including Wolfhill colliery, to get into full production.
These measures include arrangements to keep imports of graded anthracite within the limits which have been agreed with the colliery owners to represent a fair estimate of import requirements for the present year. Importsduring the past three months were approximately 27 per cent. of imports during the same period of 1952.
I may add that in the past few weeks there has been a very marked reduction in the number of anthracite mine workers registered as unemployed.
Mr. O'Higgins
We all know the steps that were taken to restrict imports but surely it would be possible since there is a known market here for anthracite coal to ensure a market for all coal produced from these mines. Has that been explored?
The quantity of anthracite coal which will be imported this year will be not more than enough to meet home requirements on the basis of full production from the Irish mines. The Deputy will appreciate that the demand comes mainly in the winter months but I am very anxious to see all our Irish anthracite mines in full production now because there will be a market for all the coal they can produce before the end of the year.
Mr. O'Higgins
Is the Minister aware that in the last 18 months these Wolfhill collieries are on very serious short time? In addition, another local mine has closed down. Another one now is in process of closing down, at Rossmore, or has closed down.
That is not my information.
Mr. O'Higgins
I may be wrong about that but certainly one has closed down within recent months, despite the fact that six months ago the Minister did take steps to restrict the import of foreign anthracite. I do suggest that the whole question of marketing Irish anthracite coal requires full ministerial investigation.
I agree that the marketing arrangements are not satisfactory, that the relations between the colliery owners and the merchants could be improved.
Mr. O'Higgins
Yes.
I have been telling both the colliery owners and the merchantsthat that is their job, not mine. Meetings between them were arranged at which various discussions took place and agreements were arrived at, but I do not think that I should step in to do what is an ordinary commercial job for those who are engaged in this business as a commercial enterprise. I think there has been a great improvement recently in that situation and I am quite certain that as soon as normal demand provides a market for this coal the improvement will be complete.
Mr. O'Higgins
The trouble is that in Wolfhill at the moment if the situation continues the labour will not be there.
On the other hand, of course, other anthracite mines are back in full production and in one case they have difficulty in getting a sufficient number of local workers.
Mr. O'Higgins
Of course, they must live locally or pretty near.
One of the problems that arises in this connection is the quality of the anthracite and the manner in which it is marketed and I have been impressing upon colliery owners that it is up to them to instal the necessary equipment to ensure that properly graded and washed anthracite is produced.
Having the information the Minister has about the position now, does he say that it is not his duty to interfere? Is it not necessary to interfere in the interests of the nation? It is rather serious to have one ship coming into Cork with this commodity and another ship taking it out.
It is good to see them going both ways.
It is of no advantage.