§ 2. Mr. GROTRIANasked the Secretary for Mines if he can now relax the restrictions in regard to coal for steam trawlers and allow them to buy more British coal?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)For the past fortnight fishing vessels have been allowed to buy British coal up to 25 per cent. of their normal requirements, and since last Tuesday they have been authorised to get the rest of their requirements from British pits, provided that they buy in Scotland or South Wales. The restrictions have, therefore, already been greatly relaxed, and I will remove them altogether as soon as the position may justify it.
Commander WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to expedite the releasing of these stocks of coal, as they are most important at this time in connection with the food supplies of the people?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI cannot go any further than the answer at present.