§ Sir S. SCOTTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that residents in some parts of London find it impossible to get the coal to which they are entitled delivered; and what action, if any, he proposes to take?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs stated in the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Southwark Central, the dislocation of supplies of coal to London arises mainly from losses of output at the collieries, this being due to labour troubles. The position has been aggravated somewhat by the congestion due to the stoppage last week on some railways in South London. Until last week the outstanding orders for coal were about one week's trade and even after the dislocation they only amount to ten days' trade. As I stated yesterday steps have been taken to meet the temporary difficulty, and except that preference will be given to the delivery of small quantities, there should be no difficulty in dealing with consumers' demands.