First, I should like to welcome the right hon. Gentleman to this particular post.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has been informed that some wool-textile mills may have to close unless they can get supplies almost at once?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the steel industry oven production has been cut back to 60 per cent. and that in some areas coke stocks are down to less than one week's consumption? Will he give the House an assurance that there will be no interference with the drawing on pit-head stocks of coal?