HC Deb 05 March 1923 vol 161 cc47-8W
Mr. HARDIE

asked the President of the Board of Trade what the present supplies of metallurgical coke are in the United-Kingdom and if they are equal to the present demand; and what is the number of coke-making plants that were not producing at the end of last month?

Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOX:

It is impossible to give a categorical answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question, but I have little doubt that supply has not yet overtaken the recent sharp increase in demand. I am informed that at the end of January there were about 2,500 ovens not in use.