asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a number of coal miners are unemployed at Castlecomer because of the importation of anthracite; and, if so, if he will take the necessary steps to prevent the importation of anthracite.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prevention of Anthracite Imports.
I understand that there has been an increase in the number of coal miners unemployed at Castlecomer.I am informed that this is mainly due to the decision of the management to suspend work on the sinking of a new shaft following on a fall in sales. The management attribute this fall to higher prices necessitated by increased costs and not to imports of anthracite, and have expressed the hope that the position is temporary.
I took steps in November last, on representations from the other Irish anthracite collieries, to arrange that as from the 1st January last anthracite would be imported only in quantities sufficient to bridge the gap between home production and estimated requirements. Imports of anthracite from the 1st January last to date amount to less than half the imports for the first quarter of 1952.
Is it not a fact that the anthracite coal imported is the same price as the anthracite from Castlecomer? Is not that worthy of investigation, in view of the fact that the others have to pay landing charges and freight charges in bringing it over? I have been informed from inquiries in Cork recently that some people say that the Castlecomer anthracite is as good as the Welsh anthracite.
It is better.
Is the Minister aware that some people feel that one of the defects of the anthracite coal from Castlecomer is that it burns the boilers too much?
Undoubtedly the quality of the anthracite produced here is as good as that of the imported anthracite. As I have informed the Deputy, the imports of anthracite were cut down to bridge the gap between our own production and our own requirements. The management of the Castlecomer colliery do not attribute their current difficulties to imports of anthracite.
Is it not strange that they should be charging the same price for coal in the City of Cork as these Welsh people get for it in the City of Cork?
That is a separate question.