§ Brigadier-General SURTEESasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the fact that at least 15 per cent. of the household coal now being sold at full controlled price consists of stone and shale; if he can indicate the people who are responsible for this; and if he can hold out any hope that, when consumers pay a high price for a good article, they will not receive an inferior article.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIt is, I am afraid, inevitable that, during the existing shortage, and with the diversion of coal which is necessary to meet temporary difficulties, the quality is not always the same as ordinary supplies, but I am not aware of any such state of affairs as that suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, and if he will let me have particulars of any such cases I shall be glad to have them investigated.