asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to frauds in the sale of coke, and that in a number of cases the public do not get the quantities they pay for and expect to receive; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

No recent representations on this subject have been made to my Department, though I have seen Press references to it. Any definite information that may be submitted as to the practices alleged will be carefully considered. I may add that a number of local authorities have acquired powers to deal with the sale of coke with a. view to the prevention of fraud.

Has the hon. Gentleman received a report from the London County Council calling attention to this scandal, and does he not intend to do anything in the matter?

I imagine that if the London County Council have any representations to make they will make them.