§ 8. Mr. SMALLWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the committee of the National Amalgamation of Coal Porters has tendered 698 notice to terminate all agreements between the Society of Coal Merchants and the union on 28th June next, giving as the reason that the work of the coal trade cannot be carried on owing to the call now being made upon the man-power of the coal trade, and that they recognise that their duty to the community can best be served by taking this step than by allowing things to drift into chaos; and if he will say what steps he proposes to take having regard to this statement?
Sir A. STANLEYThe Controller of Coal Mines has arranged to receive a deputation from the union referred to on Wednesday next to consider the notice.
§ 9. Mr. SMALLWOODasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that owing to the recent call up for national service of coal porters and carmen there are wharves in the London district without a man left to work them; and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with such cases?
Sir A. STANLEYWhile the recruitment of coal porters and carmen has interfered to a certain extent with coal distribution, no cases of the kind mentioned by the hon. Member have come to the notice of the Controller of Coal Mines. The Controller will inquire into these cases if furnished with particulars. An arrangement has now been come to between the Board of Trade and the Ministry of National Service which it is believed will relieve the situation.