§ 15. Sir P. GOFFasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the delays in the development of the coal resources of this country; and, if so, what steps he is taking to stimulate this development?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANUncertainty as to the future of the industry has no doubt been inimical to some extent to development, but I hope that this will be removed by the proposals for the future ordering of the industry which will shortly be laid before Parliament. Meantime every encouragement is being given to capital expenditure on development, and for some months past the industry has been absorbing fresh labour at the rate of about 7,000 persons a month.
§ Sir P. GOFFWhat is the name of the technical adviser?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI can give the whole staff if the hon. Gentleman will give me notice, but I do not know to which particular adviser he is referring to.