§ Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that difficulty is being experienced in the Wigan area in obtaining the miners' hickory handles, commonly known as pick shafts, which are a necessary part of a miner's equipment; whether he will have inquiries made as to how to improve the supply; and whether the restriction of shipping space is the cause of the shortage?
§ Mr. GrenfellI am aware of a complaint from a merchant in Wigan regarding an alleged shortage of hickory handles for miners' pick shafts. Supplies of hickory logs held by the importer from whom this merchant normally obtains supplies of finished handles became exhausted but a1648W consignment has now reached him and delivery of handles has been resumed. The merchant has also been informed of an additional source of supply in the North-West area from where deliveries can be obtained. My Department has received no complaints from colliery companies indicating any shortage or difficulty in obtaining delivery of miners' pick shafts.