§ 34. Mr. Hannahasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that an acute shortage of coal exists at West Hoathly, Sussex; and whether he will take steps to relieve the situation?
§ Mr. LloydI am aware that there has been a shortage of coal in Sussex, but I am informed that substantial deliveries of coal have recently been made to the Cuckfield rural district, of which West Hoathly forms a part.
§ Mr. ThorneWhen is the hon. Gentleman going to lift the embargo so that people may get more than two cwt. of coal, and when will he make arrangements so that people can fill their cellars in the summer?
§ Sir Cooper RawsonCould not the hon. Gentleman expedite the delivery of coal by returning the empty wagons which have been standing in the sidings at Brighton for over a week?
44. Mr. Duncanasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now announce any modifications in the system of restrictions of coal and coke deliveries?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir. In view of the gradual improvement of coal supplies in the South of England, I have decided to give local fuel overseers discretion to modify the restriction on deliveries of house coal from two cwt. per week to four or five cwt. per fortnight where the supply position justifies it. Where the restriction is thus modified the additional 2d. per cwt., which was allowed in respect of increased distribution costs resulting from the former restriction, will no longer be charged. Discretion has also been given to local fuel overseers to relax the ration of coke, anthracite and boiler fuel as they think fit.
Mr. DuncanHow soon will my hon. Friend be in a position to announce to the merchants and to those private householders who have room for stocks that they may re-stock their cellars?
§ Mr. LloydThat will come later. This is in the nature of a transitional period. I cannot say exactly when we shall be in that position, but I hope it will be soon.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsDoes the hon. Gentleman state that anthracite coal has been rationed to consumers when anthracite coal mines are being closed?
§ Mr. LloydI think the hon. Gentleman is aware that there have been many transport difficulties as well as production difficulties in relation to coal supplies.
§ Mr. ThorneWhat is the use of giving fuel officers this power unless the coal is sent to London?
§ Mr. George GriffithsDoes the Minister expect to get an increase when there are scores of miners being victimised and not allowed to work in any pit in the British Isles?
§ Mr. GriffithsI will give the Minister particulars of cases.
39. Mr. Adamson (for Mrs. Adamson)asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, during the recent acute shortage of coal in the St. Mary Cray district, when many people, including old age pensioners and sick persons were without coal, a wagon containing over 10 tons arrived in St. Mary Cray Station; that after about two tons had been allowed to several coal merchants for distribution, the remaining eight tons were delivered to a person who was apparently the private purchaser of the coal although he had already two tons in his cellar; and whether steps will be taken in the future to ensure that all available coal is distributed with equality?
§ Mr. LloydI am informed that the truck load referred to was consigned to a private purchaser. By arrangement with the consignee, three tons were made available for local distribution. I am informed that the local fuel overseers did not feel justified in insisting on the surrender of a larger proportion in view of the consignee's responsibility for the supply of a number of tenant consumers and the fact that he had evacuees staying in his house.
Mr. AdamsonCan the hon. Gentleman state whether a private consumer is permitted to take delivery of a large supply of coal, even if he does distribute some to tenants of his houses?