asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the international situation and of the adverse balance of payments, he will state what steps are being taken by local authorities to economise in the use of imported fuels and to substitute home-produced fuels therefor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economy in Fuel Consumption.
Local authorities have been advised of the necessity for securing economies in the use of imported fuels and their response to this advice has been satisfactory.
When were they so advised?
They were advised from the 21st July, 1956.
Inasmuch as at that time the present crisis had not arisen, would the Parliamentary Secretary consider it wise to circularise local authorities again in the light of the existing situation?
We have the position under careful review.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary——
I would like——
Deputy MacBride was asking a question and he is entitled to precedence.
This is his third time.
I have no doubt that the Parliamentary Secretary has the position under review but what I am asking him to do is to circularise the local authorities in respect of the present crisis which has developed in the past two or three weeks. Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider doing that?
Yes.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not think it a little bit impertinent on his part to advise local authorities to save further fuel seeing the Coalition forced the E.S.B. to produce electricity on foreign fuel?
Deputy MacEntee stopped them is 1934 from producing turf.
They would not let them go ahead with the turf-burning stations.
Go up to the Park and see the rubbish there.