HC Deb 19 March 1940 vol 358 cc1800-1
68. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any further statement to make respecting the supply of coal; whether he is making adequate preparations to secure supplies to domestic consumers, public institutions and industrial concerns during the summer and next winter; and whether he will give any guidance to public authorities respecting building up reserves during the summer months?

Mr. Lloyd

Plans for building up reserves during the spring and summer are in an advanced state of preparation, but it is obviously useless appealing to people to stock while there is difficulty in meeting current consumption. As soon as this difficulty has been overcome, the plans I have referred to will at once be put into operation.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the Secretary for Mines take steps to circularise public institutions in particular, with a view to increasing reserves of coal during the summer?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Thorne

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that our trouble is to get coal now?

Sir William Davison

Will the circular to be sent out point out that coal deteriorates when stored in the open?

Mr. Lloyd

That is a debatable question.