§ 39. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as a result of the conference of local authorities held last week, he intends to authorise them to buy, store, and supply coal to consumers in their respective areas during the coming winter?
§ 40. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade what London local authorities were represented at the conference called by the Local Government Board on 21st June to consider the question of coal storage and supply for the coming winter; did the conference come to any decision or pass any resolution; and, if so, will he state what these were; and does the Coal Controller propose to act on the conference decision; and, if so, what proposals he intends to bring forward in order to prevent shortage of coal supplies to small consumers during the coming winter?
Mr. ROBERTSA conference of local authorities in the London area was held at the Local Government Board on the 21st June to discuss the general question of an improved distribution of coal. It was attended by representatives of 6 county councils, 21 Metropolitan borough councils, 3 town councils, and 11 urban district councils. A resolution was passed urging that local authorities should be authorised to buy, store, and distribute coal. This proposal will receive full consideration. The Controller of Coal Mines hopes to put his scheme for controlling distribution before the local authorities next week, after which the matter can be further considered.
§ Mr. GILBERTIs it proposed to call another conference in order to consider the Coal Controller's scheme?
Mr. ROBERTSI think we had better wait until the scheme is issued, and then see whether it is necessary to call another conference.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSCan the hon. Gentleman supply us with copies of the scheme?
§ Mr. J. M. HENDERSONIs it not nearly six months since this course was recommended to the Board of Trade?
Mr. ROBERTSThe problem is a very big one, and I think the hon. Member will understand that the question has been approached very thoroughly.