HC Deb 17 November 1919 vol 121 cc596-7
MAJOR GREAME

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has written a letter to the right hon. Member for West Fife to the effect that the accountant of the Coal Control Department had not prepared complete estimates and that Board of Trade figures were therefore not up to date; and whether he can make any statement on the matter?

Sir A. GEDDES

The statement that a letter of the nature indicated was written by me to the right hon. Member for West Fife is without foundation. I may add that the consequential statements are equally misleading. The figures which I gave on Thursday are, to the best of my knowledge and belief, absolutely accurate, and can, I think, be checked by anyone interested, as all the necessary data have been officially published.

Mr. LAMBERT

When will the independent accountant begin his operations on the question of coal consumption?

Sir A. GEDDES

As soon as possible.