§ 98. Mr. GWYNNEasked the President of the. Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in certain cases coal merchants are able to obtain supplies of coal which they require for industrial purposes, but cannot get supplies which they state are for domestic purposes, owing to the fact that coal for industrial purposes fetches a higher price; and how he proposes to remedy this defect in the system of regulation of coal supplies?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)Collieries have been instructed to maintain full supplies of coal for domestic and household purposes, and arrangements have been made for making financial advances to collieries where necessary. In view of the measures already taken, it is anticipated that the difficulties to which the lion. Member refers will not arise, but the situation is being carefully watched.