24. Mr. LEACHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the French action in the Ruhr is causing supplies of coke and pig-iron to 207 be despatched from this country to Germany to the detriment of our own iron industry; that Bradford ironfounders may shortly be compelled to shut down in consequence; and if he can take any steps in the matter?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am aware that there has been a considerable increase in the demand for coke for export, but I understand that coke manufacturers are fully alive to the necessity of meeting the inland demand.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not the fact that the shortage of coke in this country just now is not so much due to the ovens not being at work, as to the fact that the coalowners can get such high prices for their raw coal that it does not pay them to make coke?
Mr. GAVAN DUFFYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that over 1,100 tons of coal were exported from Maryport, Cumberland, last week, and the consequence of that is to produce unemployment at a quicker rate than the Labour Department with their schemes can meet it?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEObviously, I cannot answer about any specific case. There are a good many factors, I think, which contribute, and certainly one of the factors leading to an increase of prices is the increased demand.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 2,500 ovens shut down which ought to be working, and making coke?