§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the ss. "Oliver" brought a cargo of steam coal from North Wales to Belfast which has been sold as grade 2 to customers in Northern Ireland at £1 1s. 11d. for a quarter ton; and, as this coal does not burn properly in household grates, if he will arrange that a better quality of coal is supplied in future for household use.
§ Mr. ShinwellNo steam coal has been sent from North Wales to Belfast, only recognised domestic qualities such as are supplied to the house coal market in this120W country. The grade and price at which coal is sold in Northern Ireland is determined by the Northern Ireland Government on the basis of the f.o.b. price of the coal. I am aware that complaints have been made regarding the quality of certain coal recently shipped from North Wales to Belfast and investigations are being made. I am, however, satisfied that in general the quality of coal supplied to Northern Ireland for domestic purposes is the same quality as that supplied to domestic consumers in this country.