asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that there has been an acute and unprecedented shortage of anthracite in North Galway over the past three months and that much hardship has been caused to owners of heat storage cookers, as well as dislocation of industries depending on this fuel as a source of power; and whether he will take action to remedy this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Galway Anthracite Supplies.
It has not been brought to my notice that there is a shortage of anthracite in Galway. If anthracite is short in that area, it is in the power of the fuel merchants to remedy the situation, for there are at present no restrictions on the importation, distribution or sale of anthracite.
I can assure the Minister that there is a shortage in that constituency and that it is probable some speculators are buying up this fuel. The local milling and corn plants are practically held up for a fortnight by this fuel shortage. In view of that will the Minister be prepared to introduce a rationing system in order to have an equal distribution of the fuel?
There is no necessity whatever for the introduction of any rationing system. I am quite sure that if the fuel merchants in Galway show the usual keen business acumen which is general in that area, they will have no difficulty in getting all the supplies they want.