asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the loss, if any, to the Exchequer involved in the purchase and sale of the stocks of American coal in the Phoenix Park.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - American Coal.
I presume the question refers to the residual stocks of approximately 95,000 tons of American coal purchased in 1951 and held by Fuel Importers Limited on 31st December, 1957. I am informed by the company that the trading loss on the sale of these stocks is estimated to be £3 per ton. In addition, there will be other charges such as bank interest, salaries and wages, depreciation of machinery, etc. It would not be possible to apportion these charges to any particular consignment of fuel with which the company has dealt.