asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that large quantities of coal are accumulating at Rossmore and Wolfhill Collieries and that this coal is exposed to the weather and deteriorating; that persons who are in grave want of coal for fuel for industry or private consumption are unable to get any of this coal because of the failure or refusal of his Department to issue licences; that because of the great accumulations of coal at both collieries hundreds of miners have been laid off; and if he will state what steps he proposes to take to remedy this grave situation at once.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Rossmore and Wolfhill Collieries.
As indicated in my recent reply to a similar question, I cannot understand why any accumulation of stocks should have taken place at these mines, having regard to the extent to which coal purchase permits have been issued by my Department. The suggestion in the Deputy's question that the difficulties experienced in disposing of their output by these collieries are attributable to the non-issue of permits on an adequate scale is refuted by the most recent information received from the Mines Management, which is to the effect that orders had been received for all large and sized coal on offer at both the Wolfhill and Rossmore mines.
Could the Minister say why applications for licences were not answered by his Department?
Applications for licences for what?
For anthracite.
Were not answered?
Yes.
I am not aware that that happened.
Is the Minister not aware that the company had to advertise in the daily papers that they had coal for sale subject to licences for this particular coal?
On a previous occasion I suggested that that was the proper method to be adopted by the company to get customers for their coal.
Is the Minister suggesting that the output is not in excess of the permits issued?
I am suggesting that the permits are substantially in excess of the available supply of coal.
The Minister is aware that stocks have accumulated——
I am aware that stocks are much lower now than they were some time ago.
And that they have had to be dumped in the fields?
I am aware that stocks of this coal are substantially lower at present than at the beginning of the year.