asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his attention has been drawn to a report in connection with the export from the State to the Six Counties of cheap English coal; and in view of the detrimental effect which such exports have on small native coal mines such as Arigna, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of English Coal to Six Counties.
31.
I have seen the report to which the Deputy refers.
No representations in this matter have been made to me by or on behalf of mine owners in the State. Exports of Arigna coal to the Six Counties are negligible. Their exports in 1960, to date, are in fact greater than for the full year 1959.
Is the Minister aware that the National Coal Board offers coal here in this country at 35/- a ton less than it costs at the pithead in Britain, and, as a result, a number of workers and mine producers are in a serious plight, and that a large number of miners have left this country to go and work in the mines in Britain? Would the Minister now consider taking some steps to ensure that a market is found here for the coal produced in Arigna?
If the Deputy will wait for my reply to question 32, the answer is given in that.