§ Mr. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what Department is responsible for the recent Lighting Order in Ireland; whether he is aware that almost in every case shopkepers in Ireland combine retail grocery trade and licensed trade; that these restrictions will hamper both one and the other; and whether before it comes into force some effort will be made to elicit public opinion in Ireland on the subject.
§ Mr. SAMUELSIn consequence of very apparent waste in lighting the position of the coal question, and especially the call on the depleted shipping for the transport of coal, flour phosphates and other articles to Ireland and pitwood, oats and ores from Ireland, the Department responsible for the Irish shipping and Irish coal supplies advised that it was imperatively necessary to economise in every way in the consumption of coal so that the best possible supplies would be available for public utility undertakings, factories, works, the working classes, and the public generally. Consequently at the request of many public authorities and after consultation with the public authorities of Dublin, Belfast, Cork, numerous other bodies and the police authorities, the1126W Order was prepared and issued by the Lord Lieutenant. It is true the shopkeepers in Ireland largely combine retail grocery trade and licensed trade, and the most careful consideration was given to the requirements of these establishments. It is, of course, inevitable that inconvenience will be caused by the operation of the Order, but it is not possible to effect the necessary economy in coal consumption without inconvenience and reconsideration of the Order cannot be promised at present.