2. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the productivity of the iron and steel industries is considerably reduced at the present time owing to a shortage of coke, due in part to reduced output; and whether he cam see his way to temporarily reduce the export of coke, in order that the home market may have better supplies and thus manufacture a greater quantity of finished iron and steel goods for the foreign market?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANSince February 21st the export of coke-oven coke from Humber and Mersey ports has been entirely stopped, so that the whole output of coke works in Lancashire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and other Midland districts is now available for home requirements. No export of Cumberland coke is permitted at present, and practically none of Scotch coke. It is only from Durham and South Wales that restricted: quantities are allowed to be exported. Transport difficulties are such that it is impossible to utilise the whole output of these districts for inland use.
6. Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade if foundry coke is being sent by rail from Cumberland to the Tyne for shipment; whether such shipments have been made in pre-war years, 873 and, if not, whether such exports of coke are taking the place of exports of coal which have been prohibited by the Coal Controller?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANCumberland coke has been exported from the Tyne, but this export has been prohibited since February 21st. When the coke was exprted it was not taking the place of coal. A certain quantity of such coke was exported from the Tyne, I am informed, in pre-war days.