§ 41. Mr. J. MASONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to make the coal allowances for country houses more liberal than those for town houses, in view of the; difficulty of heating them; and whether in the case of gas and light being privately produced this will be counted by equivalents or by the amount of coal consumed in their production?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Albert Stanley)Except for houses over fifteen rooms which can claim to be specially assessed under Clause 12 of the Order, no difference is made between town and country. Wood or peat is generally available in country districts as an alternative fuel. Gas or electricity produced privately for consumption will be rationed in the same way as gas or electricity purchased. The allowance of fuel for their production will be fixed so as reasonably to prevent excess production.
§ Mr. MASONCan my right hon. Friend say whether a deduction will be made from the coal allowance in the case of acetylene plant or oil-engines being used?
§ Sir A. STANLEYIf the right hon. Gentleman will communicate with the local authority which deals with this matter I think he will find it competent to give him an answer.