§ 9. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulties arising in the coal-mining industry owing to the interrupted importation of timber for pit-props; and whether he can make any statement of steps to be taken to meet these difficulties?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Robertson)As was stated yesterday, in reply to the hon. Member for North Islington, my right hon. Friend is aware of the difficulties which have arisen in this connection, and the Board of Trade are in communication with representatives of the various interests affected. My right hon. Friend is fully alive to the difficulties of the position, but he is not at present in a position to make any statement as to the steps which may be necessary to meet them.