asked the Minister for Supplies whether his attention has been drawn to the grave difficulties experienced by large numbers of persons in Dublin in obtaining supplies of turf from small shops and bellmen; and whether be proposes to take measures to ensure that adequate supplies are made available through these channels of distribution in the various districts of the city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Turf in Dublin.
I am aware that for a short period prior to the opening of the dumps on the 19th November, 1943, difficulties were experienced by a number of the bellmen and small shops in obtaining supplies of turf adequate to meet the increased demand for fuel due to changing weather conditions. The necessary steps have been taken to deal with the matter, and it is not expected that there will be any recurrence of these difficulties.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that these difficulties still exist and that although further steps are being taken by Fuel Importers Limited to supply the bell trade, these have improved the situation to a limited extent only? I suggest that the best solution would be to open dumps in outlying districts where people could obtain supplies themselves as it is impossible for the bellmen to carry the quantity of turf required to these outlying areas.
All the dumps are now operating but I take it that the Deputy's suggestion is that we should have dumps in outlying areas. That matter was fully considered in the light of the experience last year, but it was found difficult to find localities where turf would be dumped and protected while in the dumps. Some additional dumps have been opened in outlying areas but not to the extent some Deputies represented to be necessary, following on last year's experience.
The Minister is aware that bellmen who were formerly supplied by the merchants are now being supplied from the Phoenix Park. That means that the south side and part of the north side of the city are being catered for by these bellmen but the bellmen are still unable to supply areas in Crumlin and North Cabra as they are unable to carry the volume of fuel required. In view of these circumstances, would the Minister consider opening up the timber dumps to serve these areas?
I think it would be unwise to dispose of the reserves of timber fuel at the moment. So long as we can ensure that public needs can be met out of the turf supplies, we shall concinue to supply turf. The timber fuel is being held as an iron ration to meet a situation, which may arise before the war is over. The position with regard to turf is that supplies must be brought in during the summer and stacked in dumps. There is no alternative to that arrangement. Normally no difficulty arises because requirements are met from supplies as they come in but as increased demands arise daring the winter period it is necessary to go to the dumps.
Is the Minister not aware that the corporation had arranged to open up a number of dumps for the distribution of fuel? We had 11 depots opened up. Why should the corporation not be allowed to supply the people from these depots?
That is a separate question. I take it the Deputy is referring to the cheap fuel scheme. None of the dumps available to meet the fuel ration is under the control of the corporation. They are under the control of Fuel Importers, Limited.