§ 1. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Secretary for Mines the extent to which foreign coke is being imported into this country; and whether he is aware that it is possible to obtain in this country supplies of coke which are required by industry?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)As I stated in my reply of 5th November to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey), special arrangements have been made for importing 100,000 tons of coke to meet the present shortage, and to this figure must be added supplies which have normally been imported during recent years for horticultural purposes in the Lea Valley and which will amount this year to some 50,000 tons. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply which I have just mentioned.
§ Mr. SMITHWill my hon. and gallant Friend shortly consult in detail with the coal industry, and find out what is necessary to prevent this heavy import of fuel when so many are unemployed in the industry?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI understand that this matter is to be raised on the Adjournment Motion one night this week, and perhaps I could deal with the problem then.