§ 64. Mr. DEVLINasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a very serious shortage of coal for domestic purposes in Belfast in consequence of which the working classes are suffering great hardships and there has been a considerable increase in the number of deaths of children, due mainly to the want of coal for heating purposes in the homes of the people; and whether he will take steps to have the supply of coal for domestic purposes in Belfast increased?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 25th March to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for the Ormeau Division of Belfast. The claims of Belfast and the North of Ireland have not been overlooked, and a substantial proportion of the additional supplies sent to Ireland has been allocated to Belfast. I am advised that some of the Welsh coal being sent is not unsuitable for household purposes, but in any case local arrangements are in operation to substitute Welsh coal unsuitable for household purposes for bituminous coal at present used for other than household purposes, setting free the latter for domestic consumption.
§ Mr. DONALDHas the hon. Gentleman received a communication from the Co-operative Society of Belfast, and will he give the matter favourable consideration?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have not received the communication.