asked the Minister for Supplies if he will say whether he has arranged to distribute the amount of explosives used for quarrying, etc., on a 50 per cent. basis of 1940 supplies; and, if so, if he will explain why, in a recent allocation of deliveries, Cork was not granted the amount to which that county would be entitled on the 50 per cent. basis; and if he will say to what district Cork's proper allocation was diverted; and whether he will ensure that in any future allocations Cork will get its correct share for its important slate and stone quarries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Explosives for Quarrying.
The limited quantity of explosives available has been allocated on the basis of the needs of essential industries and undertakings, and not by reference to the supplies distributed in any particular area in 1940. The total quantity which it was found possible to allocate for quarrying purposes is substantially less than 50 per cent. of the quantity used in 1940. The distribution of explosives to individual quarry owners is not controlled by my Department. From inquiries I have made, however, I am satisfied that the very limited allocation for quarrying is being distributed equitably.