§ 22. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary for Mines why the normal sources of supply of house-coal to certain districts in the county of Linlithgow were stopped without warning and without alternative supplies being made available from other sources; whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this position and to prevent its recurrence?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)It has been necessary recently to reorganise house-coal supplies in Scotland on a more systematic basis in the interests of transport economy, and I regret that some temporary difficulty in the county of Linlithgow should have resulted from this. Steps have already been taken to remedy the position which, I am assured, is now satisfactory.
§ Mr. MathersWill my hon. Friend take into account the fact that an actual mistake was made here, and will he try to exercise through his Department greater supervision, in order that such mistakes may not be made by men acting without consultation with those most concerned?
§ Mr. GrenfellI am not quite sure whether a mistake was made but I am sure my Department will put right such mistakes when brought to their attention.
§ Mr. ThorneIs my hon. Friend aware that a little time ago he issued instructions that people should stock as much coal as they could, and now it is. reported that he has ordered an examination to find out how much they have in their cellars?
§ Mr. GrenfellIt is not the intention to regard stocking as unwise. My hon. Friend need not be unduly alarmed about the announcement in the papers to-day.