asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps he proposes to take to put an end to the importation from England of inferior grade coal for household use.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Imports.
Under the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement of 1948 the British Government have undertaken to make available in the year 1949 not less than 1,570,000 tons of coal, domestic coke and manufactured fuel.
The acceptance or refusal of coal of particular qualities is a matter for arrangement between importers and their suppliers, and I do not propose to take any steps which would limit the freedom of importers in making their arrangements to secure the qualities most suited for their particular purposes.
Is there any freedom of choice in the quality of the coal we have to import just as they have a choice in the cattle which they may import from us? Is there any loophole in the agreement for us or have they all the loopholes?
If the Deputy would apply to Fuel Importers Limited they might be able to give him more suitable coal.