§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Secretary for Mines if he has any information at his disposal as to the reasons for the short age of supplies of coal for export purposes at the North-East ports; and what steps he is taking to remedy this matter?
§ Commodore KINGI have made inquiries as to the position on the North-East Coast where there has recently been a strong, and to some extent unexpected, but very welcome increase in the demand for export coal. I am informed that in Durham all pits now working are fully employed, and there is no shortage of coal. In Northumberland prompt steps are being taken to cope with the situation by bringing into operation pits and seams that have been partially closed and by taking on additional men. There is no artificial regulation of output in either district.