asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the serious shortage of turf in Dundalk and the surrounding districts, he will allocate a ration of coal for domestic consumers in the area who, at present, are without turf or any other means of cooking or heating.

I am not aware that there is a serious shortage of turf in Dundalk and surrounding districts but in any event I am not in a position to provide a domestic coal ration.