9. Major NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether instructions have been issued by the Coal Controller that deliveries of coal are to equal those in the same period of 1917 and no more; and whether, in view of the fact of the greater supply of labour at the mines and in creased facilities of transport as compared with May, 1917, he can give the reason why this continued shortage exists?
§ Sir A. GEDDESInstructions have recently been issued to collieries through the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committees that, wherever possible, deliveries to merchants are to be based on the deliveries for the same periods in 1917, where these are ascertainable. Where they are not ascertainable, the deliveries are to be 808 based on the corresponding deliveries for 1918. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Coventry on the 19th May.