§ 36. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether something can be done to reduce to the barest minimum necessary the consumption of coal for pumping and the production of electricity and gas?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply to this question. Orders have been issued, summaries of which have been published in the Press, drastically restricting the consumption of coal generally. Further restrictions will be brought into operation if and when necessary.
§ Viscount CURZONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, for instance, in such places as Kingston this week-end, although sunset was at 5.45, all the lights were on at 5.15?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat ought to have been referred by the Noble Lord to the local authority on the spot.
§ Mr. KILEYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of issuing a note to local authorities that they should make another appeal to users of electricity to curtail their requirements as much as possible?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI think that as a whole people are fully aware of the necessities of the case. There is a Committee sitting representing the Metropolitan area, and I shall be very glad to call their attention to the apprehension to which reference is made.
Mr. J. JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the members of that Committee are divided in opinion on the subject and that some of them say they have four months' supply, if they are allowed to go on?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not think the Committee have any division of opinion. Of course, everybody has a difference of opinion about a subject on which nobody has certain information as to the figures.