§ 64. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the City of Aberdeen is short of coal; that the Aberdeen Fish Curers and Merchants Association some months ago arranged as agents for German ship owners to provide additional supplies of coal from German vessels; that the Association was prevented by his Department from landing those supplies, thereby causing loss of trade and inconvenience to the citizens of Aberdeen; and if he will investigate the causes of this and take steps to ensure that those or comparable supplies are landed at the port of Aberdeen.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. L. W. Joynson-Hicks)No action has been taken by my Department, nor, so far as I am aware, by anyone else to prevent the landing of coal at Aberdeen.
§ Mr. HughesCan the Minister explain why the coal is not being landed and why his Department is accused of being responsible? Cannot he take some steps to see that the coal now required is landed?
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksIf any accusations have been made, I can only assume that it is because the advocate has been badly briefed.