92. Mr. NUGENTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that hardship at present exists in Dublin amongst the working classes and people of small incomes, and that this hardship, if the Regulation recently made regarding the reduction in the supply of coal is not altered, is inevitably bound to increase; whether he is aware that, since the beginning of the War, the classes referred to, owing to the increased cost of living, were compelled to reduce their consumption of coal to the lowest possible point, and that reduction on the lines now suggested would mean that many homes would be deprived of fuel for several days each week either for the purpose of heating, cooking, or other domestic necessities; in view of the hardship which the Order in question is calculated to inflict, especially on the aged, the enfeebled, and the infants, will he take immediate steps to secure that any reduction will be based on the number of apartments in each dwelling after securing the full complement for the kitchen supply of each home; and whether he will see that the interests of the purchasers of email quantities are safeguarded?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Shortt)As I have already informed the hon. Member the whole question of the distribution of coal in Ireland is being very carefully considered by the Coal Controller and myself.