asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in respect of the 900 tons of coal stated to be held by merchants and importers prior to the recent increase in price, he will state by whom such stocks were held, and the quantity held by each concern.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Stocks.
The information sought by the Deputy relates to the business of individual commercial firms and I am not in a position to divulge it. The information was supplied to me in confidence by the coal trade. The figure of 900 tons represented the type of coal known in the trade as "best household coal" on sale at £8 18s. 6d. per ton in Dublin prior to the recent price increase.
The stocks of coal were inspected at the premises of the merchants by inspectors from my Department on the 11th and 12th June, 1956.
This inspection showed that the figures given to me by the coal trade were accurate.