§ 53. Sir A. MARKHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is 842 now in a position to make a statement as to the steps he proposes taking to regulate the price of coal; and whether he will consider the desirability of substituting the average prices of each quality of coal for the standard instead of the corresponding price?
§ Sir A. MARKHAMCan he say when?
§ 60. Mr. O'DONNELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a resolution from the Tralee Urban Council complaining that the price of coal there is 55s. per ton; and, seeing that this price will make it impossible for the poor to have fires during the coming winter and will affect the price of gas, whether he will take steps to provide a steamer which would occasionally bring coal to Tralee at a reasonable freight?
Mr. HARCOURTI have received the, resolution to which the hon. Gentleman refers, and I will see whether anything can be done, but it must be remembered that the shortage of tonnage is general, and it is not possible to secure specially low rates of freight for any particular locality.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentle man aware that in Kerry, as in other Munster counties, the average wages the workers get in towns is only 22s., and in the rural districts 15s. or 16s.; and how does he expect them to pay 55s. or 60s. a ton for coal to keep their hearths warm?
§ Mr. LYNCHWill the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that these are very exceptional circumstances, and that exceptional measures should be provided?