§ 53. Mr. GINNELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that recently, during a temporary stoppage of the coal supply from Britain, two Irish railway companies found it necessary to reduce their trains and to borrow coal from other companies, though their lines run through bogs from which an ample supply of efficient fuel is obtainable; and whether, to obviate an inconvenience to the public and to the State, the Board will overrule the coal interest which prevents the development of Irish bogs and require Irish railway companies, as public carriers, to make arrangements this season for obtaining from bogs along their lines at least sufficient fuel for their own purposes for twelve months, manufactured as peat fuel is manufactured for similar purposes in Sweden and other countries?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe question seems to be one for the consideration of the Irish railway companies concerned and not of the Board of Trade.