§ Mr. MADDOCKSasked the President of the Board of Trade Whether his attention has been called to the large quantities of certain classes of anthracite exported from this country and the shortage of supplies available for use in home industries; and whether he will take steps to 1473W ensure sufficiency of supplies in this country before permitting the export of anthracite?
§ Sir A. GEDDESMeasures have been taken to ensure that sufficient supplies of anthracite are available for home consumption, but, as I have already informed the House, the difficulty is one of distribution of the supplies from the pits owing to the lack of adequate transport facilities. The quantity of anthracite exported does not, at the present time, prejudice the position of supplies for inland purposes in any way. Exports would, if that were necessary, be further curtailed in order to safeguard home supplies.