§ MR. SITCHasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the fact that coal miners in the districts of Old Hill, Cradley, Lye, and Quarry Bank, Staffs, are at present unable to work for more than three or four days per week owing to the scarcity of trucks to transport the accumulations they have already raised; that the men are willing and anxious to work a full six-day week, and are further prepared to increase the normal supplies, but cannot do so for the reason stated; and whether he can take any steps to effect an immediate relief in the conditions prevailing in that industry, and thus enable it to meet heavy and insistent demands for coal?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI am aware that there is congestion on the Great Western Railway system, owing to shortage of engine power, and that some loss of time has occurred in the districts mentioned be-1834W cause of delay in returning trucks to the collieries. The railway company are doing everything possible to cope with the situation.