§ 10. Mr. BRIANTasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the occupation of the Ruhr area by the French Army has led to a diversion of the Durham foundry coke to Germany and France, to a limitation of the supply to British manufacturers, and to an increase of nearly 50 per cent. in price; and if, in view of the necessity of assisting the recovery of British trade, he will take steps to secure a sufficient supply of coke for British manufacturers?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXI am aware that there has recently been a sharp increase in the demand far metallurgical coke and that home and export prices have risen by about 25 per cent. and 100 per cent. respectively over the last six weeks. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on the 22nd February to the hon. Member for Workington. There is every indication that coke manufacturers are fully alive to the necessity of meeting the inland demand.