asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state for what reason no information has been obtained since 1931 as to (1) the number of wage-earners employed, and (2) the amount of wages paid, in coal production in the Free State, and if he will state whether he proposes to inquire now for this information, and, if so, when he expects to be in a position to supply it to Deputies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Production in Free State.
Dr. Ryan
The statistical programme for census of industrial production inquiries provides for a full census at five yearly intervals and a partial census in the intervening years. The last full census was in respect of the year 1931. "Mines and quarries" was one of the industrial groups omitted in the partial censuses, but it was found possible to obtain annually, without much trouble, from owners of coal mines, figures showing the total quantity and value of the output of coal in each year. Particulars in reference to numbers of wage-earners employed and the amount of wages paid were not asked for. The census inquiry in respect of the year 1936 will be a full census and will include "mines and quarries" and as much detail will be published as was shown for this industrial group in the Report of Industrial Production, 1931.
In view of the fact that the State is actively fostering the development of coal production and spending some money in connection with it, would it not be desirable that there should be found out annually the number of persons employed in the production of coal and the amount of wages paid in that industry? Could the Minister say why that should not be done in the case of an industry which is being definitely fostered by State aid?
Dr. Ryan
I could not say. Perhaps the Minister will consider doing so from this on.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the total amount of money provided by the Exchequer and expended during the year 1934-35 with a view to fostering the development of coal production in the Free State, and the estimated amount to be so expended during the year 1935-36.
Dr. Ryan
The amount provided by the Exchequer and expended in the year 1934-35 with a view to fostering the development of coal production in the Free State, was £1,455. The estimated expenditure for the same purpose for the year 1935-36 is £3,900. There is a further sum of approximately £3,250 in respect of these operations which will not come in course of payment until the next financial year. In addition, sums amounting to approximately £4,500 were expended, from moneys provided for the relief of unemployment, for the purpose of assisting in coal development during the two financial years mentioned.