§ 10. Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state whether a large asylum like Mullingar District Lunatic Asylum, which yearly requires 3,000 tons of coal, is threatened to have its coal supply commandeered by the War Office in consequence of having got half its supply into stock slightly in advance of its requirements; and if he will take steps to prevent 1,000 poor lunatics being deprived of necessary heating for the coming winter?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe Mullingar Asylum authorities formerly were supplied with large quantities of coal from the Irish coalfields at Wolfhill. Recently arrangements were made on their behalf to get supplies from South Wales, and a large surplus stock was got in. As other consumers in Dublin and elsewhere, including important works, required coal, it is not desirable that the asylum should have supplies which they do not require. Moreover, with the view of regulating coal supplies in the best possible way, it is laid down that supplies should be drawn from the same source and through the same channel as heretofore. The legitimate requirements of the asylum are having, and will have, every attention.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the resident medical superintendent has been served with notice as to the commandeering of this coal by the Coal Controller?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes, Sir. He has been treated exactly the same as anybody else with a supply of coal, but every provision is made for them to have their full share of what coal there is going.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has always been the practice in this asylum to secure the fuel required for the winter at latest by the 1st July?
§ Mr. SHORTTIt is loot a matter of the date of the accumulation, but the amount of the accumulation.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that whereas 3,000 tons are required, up to the present they have only received 1,000?
§ Mr. SHORTTThey are better off than other people.