§ 13. Mr. WILLIAM NICHOLSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the shortage of coal at Alton, Hampshire; whether he is aware that only one truck of coal was received at Alton during the week ending 26th April, and that there was no coal available for the purposes of hawking in Alton and the neighbouring villages; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this shortage?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe supply of coal to Alton has engaged the special attention of the Coal Mines Department on several occasions during the recent winter. The Department are not aware of the facts stated in the question, but inquiries are being made.