§ 27. Mrs. Tateasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the city of Bath Electricity Department had con tracts for coal supplies from the Forest of Dean and South Wales coalfields; that they have now been informed that these contracts cannot be fulfilled and that they must obtain coal from Durham coalfields; and, in view of the transport difficulties, and, as freightage costs alone will amount to 18s. per ton and the price of coal has already risen 5s. 9d. per ton since the outbreak of war, he will see that the original contracts are fulfilled?
§ Mr. GrenfellDeliveries under the current contracts with these two colliery districts are proceeding and there is every expectation that the colliery companies concerned will be able to meet these contractual obligations in full. I am afraid, however, that it would not be practicable to require them to make good deficiencies that may be outstanding on contracts which have already expired. Further, it may not be possible to provide adequate supplies for undertakings in the South Western area except from the Northern districts, where suitable coal is available.