§ 10. Mr. BRACEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a number of collieries in South Wales will shortly have to close down unless some steps are taken to deal with the present shortage of pitwood; whether he is also aware that, in order to meet the requirements, it has been found necessary to cut down 9 ft. props to 6 ft., which is a waste of labour and timber; and whether, in view of the fact that, with the removal of present restrictions in prices, pitwood could be imported at a slight increase only, he will consider the possibility of removing these restrictions in the interest of the coal industry?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am aware of the shortage of pitwood in South Wales, and prompt steps to remedy this have been taken with the result that last week over 20,000 tons were imported into that area, in addition to large supplies of homegrown pitwood. I trust that supplies will now be sufficient for all requirements. As regards price restrictions, large quantities of pitwood have recently been imported into South Wales, and sold at prices well below the maximum, but it is still necessary to retain maximum prices in the interests alike of the collieries and the consumers of coal.
§ Mr. REMERIs the cause of the shortage due to the fact that the price for pitwood in South Wales is lower than in any other area?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI should like notice of that question.