asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is in a position to make any statement in connection with the tests carried out by Córas Iompair Éireann for the building and utilisation of locomotive engines (a) suitable for the burning of turf, and (b) capable of using Irish coal.

I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that the experimental work on locomotives to burn native fuels is progressing satisfactorily but that it is not yet possible to make a statement.