§ Sir R. COOPER (by Private Notice)asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what steps he has taken to prevent the stoppage of industry in South Staffordshire owing to the almost complete absence of coal supplies?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI understood that this question refers to the effect of shortage of supplies of coal to the Mond Gas 45 Company upon industries in South Staffordshire.
I have been informed this morning that the position of the Company is being improved by the action of the local Coal and Coke Supplies Committee, who are arranging for additional supplies to be delivered during this week. The firm have ample supplies of slack. I am advised that there is no reason to anticipate stoppage of the gas works.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this difficulty applies not only to the Mond Gas Company, but to some other large employers, and will he, if representations are made to him, take immediate steps to remove any danger of the stoppage of the iron industry?
§ Mr. SEDDONCannot arrangements be made for the coal obtained in a district being kept there instead of being taken out, with the effect that the carrying on of the industries in the locality is made impossible?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIf the hon. Member will give me the names of the other companies affected I will see what can be done. But it is not merely a question
§ for the Board of Trade and the Coal Controller; it also affects the Ministry of Transport; and I cannot undertake without consulting the Ministry to say that any consignment of coal can be carried to any particular place.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs my hon. Friend aware that these industries in question are surrounded by coal pits, and therefore it is not a question of transport?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have lived there all my life.