§ 37. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that stocks of coal in large cities are near exhaustion; that prospects of replenishment are doubtful; and that the acquisition of unduly large amounts by aliens in the United Kingdom is regarded with the strongest disapproval by local authorities, who are endeavouring in the public interest to economise the consumption of this product?
§ Mr. WARDLEI am aware that stocks of coal are being reduced. A new Order called the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, will be issued very shortly which it is hoped will alleviate the situation and will deal effectively with cases such as those referred to in the latter part of the question.