asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the British National Coal Board have announced that they have won an order to ship coal to this country throughout this year, and that such imports will react to the disadvantage of Irish coal producers and mineworkers; whether the order has been placed by any State-sponsored body under the aegis of his Department; and what action he proposes to take to protect Irish coal producers and mineworkers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of British Coal.
2.
Mr. Lemass
I have seen the report mentioned in the question but I have no information to what it refers. Imports of coal during 1958 to the end of October totalled 1,073,000 tons of which 712,000 tons came from Britain. There is no official control over the importation of coal from any source and it is not proposed to introduce such control.
Does the Minister consider it in the national interest that Irish coalmines, which are producing efficiently and at costings that compare more than favourably with many mines in Britain, should have possibly to close down due to the fact that the National Coal Board is making available coal at a very cheap rate, in other words subsidised British coal, which will force Irish miners to go to work in Britain?
I take it the Deputy is suggesting a tax upon imported coal. The Government do not propose that.
I did not suggest that. Does the Minister consider it fair and equitable to give protection to certain small industries which are based on imported raw materials while the producers of a raw material available in this country and of immense benefit, should be now put in the position that they will have to close down, due to competition from a dumped British product?
I do not think that is the case.
Could the Minister say if anthracite is the coal in question or ordinary household coal?
The bulk of the coal we import would be industrial coal and household coal.