§ 15. Captain REDMONDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the coal shortage in Ireland still remains acute, and that many Irish industries have practically no stocks on hand and may have to close down, and whether he will take steps to safeguard Irish supplies before satisfying foreign markets?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am aware that present supplies of coal to Ireland are not sufficient to meet current demands. This is due partly to the difficulties of transport, partly to the recent strike at Belfast, and partly to increased consumption. Arrangements have just been made by which additional supplies of coal, amounting to 40,000 tons monthly, will be allocated to Ireland. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.