HC Deb 22 December 1916 vol 88 c1836W
Mr. FIELD

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has taken any further action to expedite the lowering of coal and potato prices in Dublin; whether he is aware that in consequence of the severe weather and high prices the poorer people are suffering severely; and whether the difference between the Liverpool price of the best coal and the inferior coal sold to the poor in Dublin is about, or over, 25s. per ton?

Mr. DUKE

The Chief Secretary has no official authority with regard to prices. Representations of the material facts have been made to all the authorities concerned, and I understand that arrangements are being made by the local committee in charge of the matter, to commence the distribution of cheaper coal to the poor at once. I have no information as to how the prices of coal in Dublin compare with those in Liverpool.