asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that there is a serious shortage of anthracite in Limerick, and other southern counties; that owners of Aga and Esse cookers, including hospitals, are unable to obtain their full ration of anthracite; whether he proposes to take any steps to increase the supply; and whether, if Irish collieries are unable to increase their output, he will take steps to facilitate the import of a few cargoes of Welsh anthracite, to relieve the shortage.

No complaints have been received from hospital managements or other consumers in Limerick or other southern counties to suggest that there is a serious shortage of anthracite in those areas. The home production of anthracite, however, is barely adequate to meet permitted requirements, and the prospects of increased supplies from abroad in the immediate future are not good.

Would the Minister consider trying to get Phurnacite, which is the proprietary name of Powell Duffryn, Limited, for an analogous product which, for the purpose referred to in Deputy Reidy's question, is quite as good, if not more effective, than anthracite coal?