HC Deb 07 November 1916 vol 87 c87W
Mr. FIELD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in Dublin the price of coal is so high that very many poor persons are unable to purchase; whether he can release some suitable interned enemy vessels to carry coal to Dublin; and whether, with the co-operation of the Chief Secretary and local authorities, it can be arranged that a large quantity to be retailed at a moderate normal price would be provided so as to avert a fuel famine in the city?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I should certainly be happy to co-operate as far as practicable in any steps that may be found necessary to ensure the maintenance of a reasonable supply of house coal to Dublin; but, as I have already indicated to my hon. Friend, the matter is, in my opinion, one to be dealt with locally in the first instance.