§ 3. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that coal merchants in some areas are unwilling to dump coal in large quantities for fear of destruction by enemy action and inability to insure such stocks; and will he make a statement on the subject?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)I am not aware of any general unwillingness among coal merchants to lay down stocks for the reasons suggested by my hon. Friend; but if he will send me particulars of any individual cases he has in mind I will have them investigated. The Chamber of Coal Traders has recently drawn the attention of its members to the steps which should be taken by any coal merchant who suffers loss through enemy action; and, as was indicated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 8th October, a statement may shortly be expected regarding a comprehensive scheme of insurance for property not covered by the present compulsory Commodity Insurance Scheme. These arrangements should reassure any coal merchant who may be reluctant, for the reasons suggested, to lay down stocks.
§ Mr. DaviesWhile thanking the Minister for the reply, may I say that I am sure that he will understand that small coal merchants on the South-East coast, where towns are being bombed, are obviously unwilling to stock coal?
§ Mr. GrenfellReally, we do not know of any very large-scale unwillingness on the part of coal merchants. There have been other difficulties, but that is not the great difficulty.