HC Deb 21 May 1940 vol 361 cc11-2
17 and 18. Mr. Ralph Etherton

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he can now withdraw or modify further the restrictions on the delivery of coal and coke;

(2) what progress is being made with the scheme to build up reserves of coal locally; whether electricity and gas authorities are now being encouraged to build up reserves of coal; what progress has been made; and whether he has issued, or intends to issue, any circular or direction thereon?

20. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking or proposes to take so that the people can buy more coal to store away for the winter?

21. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps have been taken to build up stocks of coal for domestic and industrial purposes so as to avoid the difficulties experienced during the past weeks?

Mr. Grenfell

Steady progress is being made within the limit of available supplies in building up stocks of coal for essential public services and any existing restrictions on the purchase of house coal are being modified as the situation in the area improves. I must, however, emphasize that until production is considerably increased the utmost economy in consumption will be necessary if we are to meet fully the vital needs of industry and export.

Mr. Etherton

If restrictions on delivery continue to be necessary, would not it be fairer and cheaper to the consumer to re-introduce rationing rather than go on with this uneconomic course?

Mr. Grenfell

I think that that would hardly be approved by the majority of the Members of this House at the present time.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Is the Minister aware that there are hundreds of men who are working only two and a half days per week, that they are sent back practically every day, and that I have men in my division who have worked only two days in the last fortnight because of mismanagement?

Mr. Grenfell

My hon. Friend heard my answer to the previous Question. We are looking into the matter of production, and we do not want to have pits half idle in this country.

Sir A. Knox

Will the Minister consider the introduction of summer prices so as to enable people with storage capacity to lay in stores?

Mr. Grenfell

The question of restrictions is under consideration at the present time.

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