§ 21. Mr. HAY MORGANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been drawn to the dearth of coal in Cornwall, and to the fact that, in consequence of this shortage, many merchants are closing down their businesses; and whether he will enable his zone representative to remedy this state of affairs and provide him with information as to what supplies may be expected during the coming weeks in preparation for winter needs?
§ Mr. WARDLEI understand that the Controller of Coal Mines has received representations on the subject of coal for the South-Western Counties. The immediate cause of the shortage which has been felt in certain localities is the "comb-out" of miners, the effect on which has been accentuated in the South-Western Counties by the recent strike in South Wales. My hon. Friend will be aware that a rationing scheme is to be introduced shortly, and while the amount of coal available for consumption will necessarily be reduced, I have every reason to hope that the arrangements which have been made will ensure a reasonable supply throughout the country. The Controller will be glad to look into any specific case of difficulty, if precise particulars can be furnished.