§ Mr. F. C. THOMSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the stock of coal in Aberdeen for household and industrial purposes is very low, and that there has been a complete cessation of supplies from the South since the beginning of this month; and whether, in view of the position of affairs, he will give immediate instructions for the coal traffic to Aberdeen to be opened?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThere has been considerable congestion on the North British Railway and it was necessary to impose restrictions on Aberdeen traffic from the 30th June to 10th July. A certain amount of coal has since arrived, and the matter is engaging the special attention of the railway company, but it will be necessary that in future Aberdeen shall receive its requirements by sea from Northumberland and Durham, as was largely the case prior to the War.