§ 83. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary for Mines why three truckloads of coal destined for Aircraft Components, Cheltenham, were requisitioned on 24th and 27th January and 1st February and four truckloads for Gloster Aircraft Company on 15th and 26th January; and will he state for what national service this coal was required?
§ Mr. LloydOn two days during the exceptionally severe weather at the end of last month, some 1,200 loaded wagons, standing in railway yards or sidings, were requisitioned and sent in trainloads for use as house coal to places which were in special need. In view of the physical conditions in which these trains were made up, it was almost inevitable that some few wagons en route to important works should inadvertently be included. I should like to express regret to anybody who was inconvenienced, the justification being that the need of the persons to whom the coal was sent was even greater than theirs.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that after I put down this Question last week, the weather has not been so bad and that the number of wagons destined for the Gloucester Aircraft Company so requisitioned was 22 and that it is only the intervention of the Prime Minister that enabled coal to be released 1159 and production not to be stopped at this very important factory?
§ Mr. LloydThat information cannot possibly be correct because there has been no requisitioning except on the two days I have mentioned.
§ Mr. LipsonPerhaps I may provide the Secretary for Mines with information?