asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that gas consumers in Kilkenny City have been notified by the Kilkenny Gas Lessees that they have only eight days carbonising requirements, as from 15th April, and that, unless coal is received on or before the 23rd April, the gas works would have to close down; and if, in these circumstances, he will take immediate steps to have an allocation of coal made and delivered immediately to the Kilkenny Gas Lessees.

The notice referred to by the Deputy was issued by the Kilkenny Gas Lessees immediately prior to the receipt in my Department of information as to what types of coals suitable for gas making would be included in the new British allocation. Particulars of the coals available for the group of works to which the Kilkenny undertaking belongs have been given to the management which, I understand, has taken the necessary steps to ensure the continuity of the Kilkenny gas supply.