§ 23. Mr. TOUCHEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the efforts which are being made to give full employment in the coal trade, and to the manner in which these efforts are jeopardised owing to the suspension by contractors of deliveries of mining timber under existing contracts; is he aware that advances in price have been asked for material in stock of from 40 per cent. to 150 per cent., which represent a heavy addition to colliery working costs; and is he able to make representations which may persuade timber contractors to moderate their caution and charges and bear their share in endeavouring to keep prices as nearly normal as possible, and so avoid an increase of unemployment?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMy attention has been drawn to the points raised in the hon. Member's question, and the Board of Trade are in communication with the parties affected.