HC Deb 28 July 1915 vol 73 cc2277-8
42. Mr. KEATING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a form is issued to colliery owners to ascertain the amount of their stocks; and, if so, whether he will add a question to ascertain the amount of coal that has been sold for delivery until the end of 1915 and until the end of June, 1916?

Mr. PRETYMAN

For some months past colliery owners have made to the Board of Trade a return of the stocks of coal held by them and of their output, and I am glad to take the opportunity of acknowledging the ready co-operation, with few exceptions, of the colliery owners in this respect. I am unwilling to place a further burden upon them which may prove to be unnecessary, but I shall have to consider how far a general return of the amounts of coal sold forward may be required in connection with the Bill which was given a Third Reading in this House yesterday.

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