§ 83. Mr. GILBERTasked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether the Local Government Board has called a conference of London local authorities to consider the question of coal supply during the coming winter; and, if so, what authorities have been invited and what proposals will be put before them to consider?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERAt the suggestion of the Coal Controller a number of local authorities within the Metropolitan Police District, who had addressed inquiries either to the Local Government Board or to the Controller with reference to the question of coal supply during the coming winter, were invited to attend a conference this morning. I have not yet received any report of the proceedings, but I understand that the object of the conference was to discuss with representatives of these local authorities the questions which they had raised, to consult with them as to the measures to be taken, and to endeavour to secure their co-operation.
§ Mr. J. HENDERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, though we have been recommended to lay in coal supplies for the winter, we cannot get the coal? How then, are we to lay it in?
§ Mr. GILBERTCan the right hon. Gentleman state what local authorities were invited to the Conference? Did it comprise the county council and the borough councils?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERCertain local authorities had addressed inquiries to the Local Government Board or the Coal Controller, and they were invited to the Conference.