asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if, in the event of normal imports of coal from Great Britain being resumed in the post-war period, he proposes to afford any measure of protection to coal mines in Éire; and, if so, if he will state what are his proposals for protecting this long-established Irish industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Coal Industry.
It is not possible to give a satisfactory reply to a hypothetical question of this character. I may say, however, that it is very unlikely that the measures which may be taken to assist the development of the coal-min-ing industry after the war will include a tariff on imported coal.
Is the Minister not aware that after the last war there was a considerable drop in the demand for Irish coal, with the result that several hundred miners were left unemployed over a long period of years? Will he undertake to take special steps to prevent that happening when this war is over and normal imports are resumed?
That is a very general statement and could not be dealt with by way of reply to a Parliamentary question.