§ Mr. GOULDasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the miners hav- 884W ing decided to recommence work, he can state if the present stocks of coal at home are adequate for inland consumption for some weeks to come; whether steps will be taken immediately to allow the greatest possible proportion of output to be exported without delay so as to ensure immediate employment for the thousands of coal trimmers, tippers, and dock workers in South Wales ports who have experienced a most trying period in the recent dispute to which they were not parties; and will he give instructions that releases of coal for export will be granted immediately, thereby reducing unemployment and distress?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANExport will be resumed immediately upon the resumption of work in the mines, and will be permitted as freely as possible, consistently with the due supply of inland requirements; but it will be realised that in many cases stocks are in urgent need of replenishment.