§ 2. Mr. HARDIEasked the President of the Board of Trade what number of blast furnaces are in danger of damping down through shortage of coke; if he is taking steps to prevent the ever-increasing price of coke; and if he will state the selling price of coke in October last and at the end of February last?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Lieut-Colonel Lane-Fox)I am not aware that any blast furraces in this country are in danger of damping down through shortage of coke. The average prices of metallurgical coke last October and at the end of February were 26s. and 37s. 6d. 2313 respectively at ovens for home requirements, and 29s. and 70s. respectively, f.o.b., for export. I am satisfied that coke manufacturers are making every effort to supply inland needs at reasonable prices.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the furnaces in the districts of Lanarkshire which have not their own coking ovens are to-day suffering from the fact that they cannot get coke, or, when they do get it, it is at a price which puts them outside any contract that may arise?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXI am not aware that there is any danger of their damping down.
§ Mr. HARDIEWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to inform himself that there is that danger?