§ Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary for Mines whether the committee on coal distribution has reached any conclusions on the subject; and what steps are to be taken to implement them?
§ Mr. GrenfellI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the committee pre-436W sided over by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council. The function of this Committee is, not to make recommendations, but to coordinate executive action by the Ministers responsible for maintaining coal supplies; and the decisions reached by the committee from week to week are carried into effect forthwith by the Ministers concerned. I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the steps already taken by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Shipping, which have materially eased the situation.