82. Miss Wardasked the Secretary for Mines why the contract for the supply of coke for the Longbenton balloon barrage should be allocated to a Birmingham agent supplying through the Dinnington Main Coal Company of Yorkshire when coke is available in the area from local suppliers?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)I am making inquiries of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air about this matter and will communicate with the hon. Lady as soon as possible.
Miss WardWill the Secretary for Mines bear in mind that since the last announcement was made in the House, I myself have seen on the railway sidings coke in the trucks? Businessmen would like to know as quickly as possible—and there is no criticism—the reason. Can he give a straight answer?
§ Miss WilkinsonWill the hon. Gentleman continue the inquiries in the case of coal?
§ Mr. LloydI told the hon. Lady that if she would furnish me with further particulars, I would go into it, but I have not had the particulars from her.