§ Colonel Stoddart - Scottasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in Bradford and the West Riding of Yorkshire there is considerable unemployment in the textile factories due to the fact that the coal is going to utility undertakings and not to the mills; and, in view of the enormous production that is being lost, what steps he proposes taking to remedy this shortage.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. I am aware that in recent weeks coal deliveries to many textile factories in the West Riding have fallen short of allocations and have varied considerably as between one factory and another; and that this has been due mainly to the necessity for diverting supplies to public utilities. I am hopeful that, with the return of more normal conditions, deliveries will now improve.