HC Deb 08 March 1920 vol 126 cc874-5
7. Mr. CAIRNS

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give any information in respect to the boring for coal or other minerals in Ireland, and what were the results of such borings in the district of Lough Neagh?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Mid Antrim on the 23rd February summarise the results of the boring for coal at Lough Neagh. The only other recent borings of which I am aware were undertaken by the Ministry of Munitions at Ballycastle, county Antrim, early in 1918, in a search for cannel coal, and I understand that the conclusion reached was that the seams found were not of economic importance.

Mr. CAIRNS

Are the borings still going on?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I think not. They came to the conclusion that it was not economically important.

An HON. MEMBER

How much has the Government lost in respect of this enterprise?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I require notice of that question.