HC Deb 25 February 1941 vol 369 cc358-9
45. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that it is almost impossible for householders and others to obtain adequate supplies of coal and anthracite at the present time, and that there is widespread exasperation at the present failure to assure proper distribution; and whether he will take immediate steps to co-ordinate the various Ministries concerned in order to ensure a solution of the difficulty?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

It is true that at times during the winter there have been local shortages of coal, especially coal of particular types, mainly as a result of the impact of war conditions on our transport system. But I do not accept my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that consumers generally are finding difficulty in obtaining coal sufficient for their essential needs, or that there has been any widespread failure to ensure proper distribution. Special arrangements on the lines suggested in the last part of the Question were made in October last, and it is owing to those arrangements that difficulties in connection with the supply of coal have been so largely prevented or overcome.

Sir A. Southby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer will not carry conviction to a large number of people who to-day are unable to get sufficient coal? I can give instances of truck loads ordered in July which have not been delivered, and of homes where it has been impossible to get coal to light a fire and cook. Will he again look into the matter? If he does, he will find that there is still a great shortage of fuel throughout the country.

Mr. Attlee

This matter was discussed at considerable detail in this House on the 19th of this month. A special committee was set up in October, which has co-operated with the Ministers concerned in dealing with the difficulties.

Sir A. Southby

Would it not be better for the committee to do something instead of just co-operating with the Ministers in not providing the coal for the people?

Mr. Charles Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the coal is of such a quality as to be quite unusable? It is waste of transport sending dust from A to B.

Sir A. Knox

Is it not largely a question of transport? When the Minister himself applies for the necessary transport, who is the super-co-ordinator who decides whether he shall have that transport or not?