1. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked The President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the declared policy of the Government to give preference to home industries in the matter of coke supplies, a large number of blast furnaces in the North-East Coast area are still working under half-blast and others are standing idle owing to shortage of coke, whilst at the same time railway wagons loaded with coke are being hauled from the neighbouring coalfields to ports adjoining these furnaces; and will he take steps to see that exports of coke are further reduced until home industries are adequately supplied?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)No coke-oven coke is being exported 3 from any area in England other than Durham and South Wales, and exportation is only allowed in those cases provided that inland supplies are fully met. One case was reported in which Durham coke suitable and required for works in that area had been sent for export, but the local Coal and Coke Supplies Committee have given orders to prevent this happening again. Export of gas coke is subect to similar limitations.
§ Mr. HOWARD GRITTENHow long will the hon. Gentleman continue to restrict the exports of coke?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWe wish to supply the inland consumers with as much as they want.