HC Deb 24 March 1920 vol 127 cc418-9
78. Mr. MARRIOTT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the serious position in which the gas undertakings in the Midland area, and notably in Oxford, find themselves in consequence of the inadequate supplies of coal, and of the large percentage of inert material contained in the supplies they do obtain; and if the expense to the undertakings and to the State, involved in compelling a South Midland town to obtain its supplies from Durham instead of from contiguous coalfields has been taken into consideration?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I am aware that considerable difficulties are still being experienced in securing adequate supplies of coal to gas undertakings, and that complaints are being received as to the quality, but all possible steps are being taken to remedy the position. The matters mentioned in the last part of the hon. Member's question were given full consideration in connection with the formulation of the scheme for improving supplies of coal for inland consumption.

81. Sir R. COOPER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that coal supplies in the borough of Walsall are quite inadequate to provide fires in a number of cottages or in the police court, and that several houses where there are serious cases of sickness are without fires; and will he provide a more equitable supply of coal at once from the thousands of tons which are daily passing through Walsall to London and the South?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I am aware that there is a shortage of coal at Walsall. Steps have already been taken to supplement the ordinary supplies by sending 250 tons into that town, and the position will be closely watched.

Sir R. COOPER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a shortage of nearly 3,000 tons of coal to what the Coal Controller's allowance would have given, and that 250 tons will not nearly meet the business needs?.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I am aware that there is much difficulty. I am in communication with the Coal Controller with the view of doing what we can in the matter.

Mr. J. JONES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is likely to be a greater shortage owing to the action of some Gentlemen here?