§ 49. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the probable increased demand for coal from steel manufacturers as a result of the new duties on semi-finished and other steels, and to the fact that consequently there is likely to be a shortage of coal suppliable under the quota in the last month of the present quarter from the mines able to supply this coal at the cheapest rate; and if he will state what steps he intends to take to avoid the inconvenience?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)I would remind my hon. Friend that provision is made in the Central Scheme in force under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, for additional allocations to be made during any quarter to meet any increased demand for coal. I have no doubt that the District Executive Boards and the Central Council will not overlook the necessity for ensuring that adequate supplies of coal are available to meet any increased demand from the iron and steel industry.
§ Mr. REMERWill the hon. Gentleman impress upon the officials in question the fact that this point of view is a probability. and that they will be prepared well in advance?
§ Mr. FOOTI have no doubt that all these matters are being carefully watched by the Boards which have been set up for the purpose.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that pits have been closed in the North directly as a result of the Tariff policy when they were able to supply more than the quota?