§ Lieut.-Colonel WILLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the extent to which the quality of coal for industrial consumption has deteriorated; that the mass of inert material which, as the result is being transported from the collieries to the consumers is contributing considerably to the shortage of wagon capacity; that serious expenditure is being caused in the textile districts in the West Riding of Yorkshire by this incombustible material being put through furnaces, raked out, and carted to tips; and that a higher price for coal properly cleaned, screened, and washed would be readily paid by West Riding manufacturers; and does he contemplate a modification of the Price of Coal Limitations Act so as to permit the colliery companies to charge an extra price for properly graded, screened, and washed coal?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am aware that complaints are being made as to the unsuitability of some of the fuel being supplied to industrial concerns. Any cases 1725W which have been referred to the Coal Mines Department have been taken up with the District Coal and Coke Supplies Committees concerned. The desirability of increasing the output of graded and washed fuel in order to meet the requirements of industrial concerns is fully recognised, and the matter is receiving special consideration.