asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the unfit condition of corn, necessitating the use of greater power than is normally required for threshing operations, coupled with a very late season, when maximum throughput and expedition is essential, he will consider increasing the allocation of coal for threshing purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal for Threshing.
The allowance of coal granted in 1945 for the movement of threshing sets has this season been doubled and it is not possible, in addition to this increase, to provide coal for the actual threshing operations. I understand that satisfactory results are being obtained from the use of the available alternative fuels.
The Minister must realise that because of the very poor condition of the grain crop generally, contractors, especially steam operating contractors, are experiencing great difficulty in getting a fair output during threshing operations. There is a good deal of bad turf available but threshing operations are very slow.
I would be very glad to make coal available if it could be done but it cannot be done.