asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the quantity and approximate cost of coal imported from South Africa, the quantity of such coal which has not yet been disposed of, and the loss already incurred by the State in this transaction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Imports.
I assume the question relates to the stocks of South African coal purchased by Fuel Importers (Eire) Limited. The quantity imported was 34,231 tons. It cost the company approximately £6 3s. per ton. Thirty-three thousand tons are still in stock. The average price per ton obtained for the quantity sold was about £1 per ton less than the purchase price.
Am I to understand that only 1,000 tons of South African coal have been disposed of?
Approximately.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary state the date or dates on which this coal was imported?
Some time at the end of 1947 and the early months of 1948.