§ Mr. FORDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, when on the complaint of the miners that there was a shortage of tubs the manager of a certain colliery applied to the Ministry for a licence to purchase tubs, the Ministry sent an official to investigate; that that official reported in favour of the granting of the licence, but that three or more months have elapsed without that licence being granted; and what steps does he propose to take in order to expedite the supply of material essential to the much needed increase of coal output?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI think the hon. Member must have been misinformed. No licence is required to purchase tubs; colliery owners are quite free to purchase any materials they require. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the case to which he refers, I will have inquiry made to see whether delivery of the tubs can be expedited.