asked the Taoiseach if the Government have considered the full economic and financial consequences that are likely to result from the Middle East situation and the protracted blockage of the Suez Canal, and if he is in a position to make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Middle East Situation.
The economic, financial and other conseqnences to this country of the recent developments in the international situation and of the blockage of the Suez Canal have been, and are, engaging the active attention of the Government.
While I do not, at the present stage, propose to make any detailed or general statement on the matter, I can assure the Deputy that specific action will continue to be taken, and announced from time to time, according as the needs of the situation may demand—as has already been done by the Minister for Industry and Commerce in the case of petrol and oils.
However, I welcome the opportunity presented by the Deputy's question of sounding a note of warning to our people that the consequences to us of recent international developments may prove to be more real and more serious than seems to be generally realised. As examples of the sort of problems and difficulties that will face us, I might mention the inevitability of an increase in the price of certain imported commodities, due to rising freight-rates and the shortage of shipping that will be created by the Suez situation; the reduction in oil and petrol supplies and the increased dollar-cost of such of our supplies as we may be unable to obtain from what have hitherto been our normal sources of supply; the pressure on the availability and prices of other fuels, resulting from the shortage of oil; the adverse impact on the Exchequer of the reduction in oil supplies; and the other financial and fiscal problems that will be created by the inter-play of the various factors in the situation. All the problems and difficulties arising from these recent international developments—which, I need hardly remind Deputies, are not of our making—are receiving the unremitting attention of the Government, and I am confident that the Government can rely on the whole-hearted co-operation of the entire community in bearing their share of the burden that will be involved in surmounting these problems and in solving these difficulties.
May I ask the Taoiseach if the Government will bear in mind the urgent necessity of conserving existing stocks of fuel, apart from oil and petrol?
Certainly.
And also bear in mind the possible desirability of expanding production of turf next year?
He can always give us a commission.
Would the Taoiseach take steps to warn the organisations concerned that everything possible should be done to try and have the oil burning stations which they erected substituted by turf burning stations?
Would the Taoiseach tell the House whether this question was put down by Deputy MaeBride in collusion with the Government——
It was not.
That is an entirely extraneous matter.
I had no contact with the Deputy good, bad or indifferent——
The Taoiseach has availed of this opportunity——
This is entirely extraneous.
I think I ought to be allowed say that there was no collusion whatever between the Deputy and myself.
The Deputy is only supporting you. The old Four Courts conspiracy.
Question No. 2.