asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the Government's proposals for the development of Irish coal mines; if he is aware that Dublin workers cannot purchase coal under 3s. 8d. per bag; and, seeing that the immediate development of the Irish coal mines would greatly reduce the price of coal and release shipping for other work, what steps he proposes to take?

The price of coal in Dublin varies, I am told, from 3s. 6d. to 3s. 9d. per bag. As regards the development of Irish coal fields, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to a question by the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division.