Vol. 544 No. 1
187 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will extend the period of conservation on a proposed ban on bituminous coal and petcoke in order to provide sufficient time for interested parties to make their decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28148/01]
188 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the estimated number of distributors who would be forced out of business as a result of the possible nation wide ban on bituminous coal and petcock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28149/01]
189 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the effect of the possible national ban on bituminous coal and petcock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28150/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 188 and 189, inclusive, together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 360 of 13 November 2001. I have already indicated my willingness to extend the consultation period for a number of weeks to help the solid fuel trade and other interested parties to engage constructively with my Department and finalise their views. However, while a reasonable extension of time is possible, it will need to be limited to minimise uncertainty in the solid fuel industry.
The consultation paper considers, inter alia, the economic impacts of a national coal ban including trade and employment impacts. I have some preliminary views from the solid fuel industry on these issues and the potential impacts on the distribution of fuel, including in rural areas. I would welcome the considered views of the industry and others on all these aspects in the light of the points raised in the consultation paper.
