SIR F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a few months ago the Coal Controller urged the public to provide themselves with stoves for the consumption of anthracite coal in order to reduce the use of household coal; whether he is aware that a large number of people followed the suggestion so as to mitigate the shortage of household coal; whether he is aware that many members of the public who acted accordingly and installed stoves are now unable to obtain anthracite coal; and whether, under the circumstances, he will at once give instructions for local coal controllers to take immediate steps to procure anthracite in order that it may be supplied without further delay to those desirous of using it?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the fourth part, arrangements have already been made for line distribution to householders of the supplies available in each local fuel overseer's area, but, as I have stated in reply to previous questions on this subject, the shortage of anthracite supplies for inland consumption is due to lack of rail transport from the pits, and the Ministry of Transport have the matter in hand.