§ 20. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any replies from the local authorities in answer to his circular calling their attention to the importance of making arrangements with coal merchants to secure a supply of coal at a reasonable price to small consumers; and, if so, can he say how many replies he has received, what is the nature of the replies, and from what local authorities?
§ Captain PRETYMANThe Board of Trade have so far only received definite replies from seven of the 2,000 authorities to whom the circular was sent. Four of these reported that they had made arrangements with the local coal merchants. I shall be happy to communicate with my hon. Friend at a later date when more complete information is available.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman take some action to hurry up these local authorities so that the recommendations of the Departmental Committee may be put in force?