9 Colonel NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, having regard to the more stabilised conditions, not alone of the coal, but of other industries in the country, he can say whether the shortage of coal by which the householder is being increasingly harassed is due to any other reason than loss of output occasioned by reduction of working hours, loss of working time, and a policy to force the elimination of private ownership in the coal industry by placing hardship on the private consumer; (2) whether he is aware of the inconvenience and hardship entailed by the shortness of supply and bad quality of coal supplied to the northern Metropolitan districts of London and parts of Middlesex; and what immediate action does he propose to take?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe difficulties as regards supplies of coal for home consumption were dealt with in the statement made by the Leader of the House on the 16th February in answer to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Holborn. The steps which it was then indicated were about to be taken to improve supplies for household and domestic purposes are in operation, and, I believe, are having the desired effect.