§ Captain BOWYERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of coal now existing in the Wolverton, Stony Stratford, Castlethorpe district; whether he knows that the stocks of coal are entirely exhausted and that over 16,000 people are thus threatened; whether he will at once send an inspector to this area; and whether he will take steps to deal generously with this situation?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am informed that no recent complaints of shortage of coal in the district referred to have been received, and so far as I am aware present supplies, which it is hoped will be maintained, should be sufficient if equitably distributed, to meet the weekly requirements; but in view of the statements made in the hon. Member's question I will have further inquiries made.