§ Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the scarcity of household coal in Ireland is due to the large export to neutral countries; and, if so, whether, in view of the price and shortage of output, means can and will be adopted to restrict the foreign export and give Ireland the benefit of a supply at a reasonable figure?
Mr. HARCOURTShipments of coal to Ireland appear to have been fairly well328W maintained as a whole, but local shortages may occur owing to special circumstances. The pithead price should be in accordance with the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act. The export of coal to foreign countries has been restricted, except under licence, for the last twelve months.