Mr. DUNDAS WHITE(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received representations about the great shortage of coal in Glasgow, owing to supplies being withheld unless merchants agree to contract for a considerable time ahead at the present inflated prices, and whether he can make any statement as to the action which the Board of Trade propose to take in the matter?
Mr. RUNCIMANI have not received any specific representations regarding an actual shortage of house coal in Glasgow. As regards the question of contracts, I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to the right hon. Member for the Blackfriars Division.
Mr. WHITECan the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when he thinks he will be able to make any statement on this subject?