99. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that, owing to a shortage of fuel, Messrs. Lloyds' Tile Company Limited, Withington, Hereford, will be compelled to close down and put out of employment 86 regular workers; and, in view of the fact that this company has a full order book for the export and home trade, if he will give the matter urgent consideration.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Durbin)I am informed that the gas coke required by this company cannot at present be supplied since the available production is required for more immediately essential services. Every effort will be made to met the needs of the company as soon as supplies improve.
Mr. BaldwinIn view of the fact that this firm is securing export trade, is it not necessary that they should be given first priority?
§ Mr. DurbinMy information is that the whole of the supplies coming forward from this particular gas company are required for essential local services, such as bakeries and hospitals.