§ 51. Mr. PRINGLEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the shortage of the supply of splint coal avail able for the Scottish ironmasters engaged in the production of hematite; and, seeing that this shortage involves a restriction in the output of hematite, whether he will suspend the issue of export licences for splint coal until the requirements of local hematite producers are satisfied?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe export of Lanarkshire splint (which is the brand chiefly in demand by the Scottish ironmasters) has for over two months only been permitted to Allied countries, and only then sparingly and in cases where no other coal would suit the intended purposes. Further restriction would necessarily cause injury to our Allies, but the situation is being closely watched, and, if necessary, the export of this kind of coal will be even further curtailed.