2. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has official information showing that the difference between the estimated and the actual tonnage of coal ex ported since August, 1919, is due to the lessened demand for industrial purposes; if so, has he taken into account the fact that, in the North of England, the output of every iron and steel works has suffered considerably from the chronic shortage of coal supplies during the last six months, one works alone estimating a loss of 100,000 tons of steel in 1919, entirely due to lack of coal; will he ascertain whether the present Coal Controller is fully alive to these facts; and, seeing that numerous blast furnaces are now standing idle and the make of pig-iron reduced because the necessary fuel cannot be obtained, will he give instructions that some industries shall have preference over the export trade?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Coal Controller is fully aware of the position of industrial works in the North of England, and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Leader of the House to the hon. and gallant Member for Holborn on Monday last, which indicated the drastic steps being taken to secure the fulfilment of home demands.