§ 1. Mr. SMALLWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the fact that a further call up of coal carmen, loaders, and wharfmen for military service has been made, notwithstanding the arrangement recently arrived at to retain all existing men engaged in this work of national importance; is he also aware that these men cannot be replaced, and that in consequence coal supplies for manufacturing and all other purposes are seriously jeopardised; and will he say what action, if any, he proposes to take?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Albert Stanley)I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Service on this subject, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.