14. Mr. Craik Hendersonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the loss of coal output caused by the inferior quality of the conveyor belting now being supplied to collieries; and what steps he is taking to remedy the position.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe quality of conveyor belting now in use is necessarily somewhat below the highest pre-war standard and the problem of improving the specification, within the limitations of the supply of crude rubber, is being investigated. Generally speaking, however, I am not aware that defects in the present war-time belting have caused any appreciable increase in loss of coal output.
Mr. HendersonWill the Minister make inquiries of members of both sides of the industry? If he does I think he will be assured that there is a great loss of production.
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am well aware from my own experience that there is general complaint with regard to belting at the present time. We are making every 516 effort to increase production and we have increased it by 30 per cent. during the last quarter.