§ 42. Mr. SPENCERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a number of collieries in Nottinghamshire are making short time owing to lack of trucks; and whether he can suspend the operation of the Coal Order in that county with a view to the inhabitants purchasing greater supplies of coal now so as to relieve the pressure in winter time.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Mansfield Division yesterday. As regards the laying in of supplies of coal by householders in Nottinghamshire, the necessity for suspending the operation of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1919, does not arise. Coal merchants in any area are permitted to make deliveries for stocking purposes to private consumers as soon as reserve stocks for the use of small consumers during the winter months have been established.
§ Mr. ADAMSON(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will issue a White Paper, before the Debate on Monday, as to the basis of the calculation upon which the Government decided to increase the price of coal by 6s.?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir A. Geddes)Instructions have been given to have such a Paper prepared and circulated.