HC Deb 11 December 1941 vol 376 cc1681-2
77. Dr. Little

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will take into account the serious plight, in many instances, of the provincial coal merchants in Northern Ireland who are not receiving their quota of coal, although they supply a large number of customers, and arrange for coal to be shipped from the most convenient centres in boats which can enter the smaller ports in Northern Ireland?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)

I have arranged to make available to Northern Ireland the aggregate weekly tonnage of coal required, but it is not possible to provide this tonnage entirely from the normal sources of supply. A considerable rearrangement has thus been necessary, and has been carried through in consultation with the Government of Northern Ireland; I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of their cooperation in solving this difficult problem. The extent to which the smaller ports in Northern Ireland can be served from the nearer coalfields is a matter for the Government of Northern Ireland: so far as our shipping resources permit, we shall direct the available supplies of coal in accordance with their wishes.

Dr. Little

While I thank my hon. Friend for his answer, will he do everything in his power to prevent the hardship in the supply and distribution of coal in Northern Ireland which is being felt by the people of my constituency?

Mr. S. O. Davies

Will my hon. Friend also tell the House whether the difficulty of supplying Northern Ireland arises from lack of transport or of supplies?

Mr. Grenfell

I have answered that question. As far as transport enables us to do so, we shall supply Northern Ireland, but the Question relates to the particular qualities of coal, and there is not sufficient production to give everybody the kind of coal he may require at a particular time. I would assure the hon. Member for Down (Dr. Little) that we very much appreciate the efforts made to find accommodation between the coal trade in Northern Ireland and the producers on this side, and everything reasonably possible will be done.