§ 47. Mr. T. SMITH (for Mr. THORNE)asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tons of coke imported into Great Britain from Belgium; and if he is aware of the excessive amount of coke awaiting purchase in the North of England suitable for blast furnaces?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)In 1932, imports of Belgian coke into this country amounted to 9,718 tons, and in 1933 to 16,666 tons. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not aware of abnormal supplies of blast furnace coke being available in the North of England.
§ Mr. SMITHCan the hon. Gentleman say why it is necessary in these days to import this quantity of coke from Belgium?