§ Mr. FIELDasked 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. DUKEThe 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.