HC Deb 19 December 1935 vol 307 cc1930-1
120. Lieut.-Colonel Sir MERVYN MANNINGHAM-BULLER

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the inability of certain electricity companies to obtain the supplies of coal for which they have contracted and that, in consequence, their stocks are dangerously depleted; and whether he will take steps, either by temporarily removing the quota or otherwise, to ensure that they are able to obtain the coal necessary for them to produce the current required?

Captain CROOKSHANK

I am aware of the difficulty experienced by some electricity supply companies in obtaining supplies of coal, in particular by an undertaking in the constituency which my hon. and gallant Friend represents, and I am in touch with the chairman of the undertaking on the subject. On the general question of supplies, I would emphasise that the Central Council of Colliery Owners are freely issuing such allocations as are required to meet the requirements of consumers, and that at last week's meeting of the council all applications from the districts for supplementary allocations were granted in full.