HC Deb 21 January 1941 vol 368 cc19-22
77. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether he is aware that householders are still finding it difficult to obtain supplies of coal for domestic purposes; and what steps he is taking to improve the distribution of coal?

Mr. Grenfell

I am aware that there are shortages of house coal in certain parts of the South of England, and I am doing what I can in consultation with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport to meet the situation. Arrangements have already been made for extra coal trains to be run at the expense of certain passenger services, and the additional trains will be used for household as well as for public utility and high priority industrial purposes.

Mr. Cocks

Is the Minister aware that it has been difficult in certain parts of London to get coal, during the recent cold spell? Can he tell us when this arrangement of extra trains started?

Mr. Grenfell

It definitely started in the last week or two. Many efforts have been made to expedite the movement of mineral traffic.

Sir W. Davison

Is the Minister aware that there have been difficulties in the supply of coke as well as of coal?

Mr. Culverwell

Is the Minister also aware that more than five weeks ago an arrangement was made between the Corporation of the City of Bristol and the railways for six extra trains to come to Bristol for this purpose, and that not one has come so far?

Mr. Grenfell

I did say that I was aware of a shortage of coal in the South of England. I am aware—and the hon. Member must be aware—that there are special reasons for that shortage. Everything possible is being done, however, to improve the situation.

Mr. Culverwell

Is the Minister aware that the position, instead of improving, is getting steadily worse?

Mr. Ammon

Is the Minister aware that a good deal of this shortage arises because of faulty distribution? Powers have been taken from the local fuel controls and put into the hands of the trade, which is more concerned with the large consumer than with the small consumer who is suffering.

Mr. Grenfell

I could not accept that explanation. It is a much larger subject than that.

78. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps have been taken since 17th December to deal with the position in Nottinghamshire, where the pits have been working short time, owing to the difficulty of getting away the coal; whether there has been any improvement in the position; and whether any further steps are contemplated?

Mr. Grenfell

I am informed that every effort has been made to increase the supply of empty wagons to the Midland coalfields and to Nottinghamshire in particular. The number of man-days lost in the latter county owing to transport difficulties and shortage of wagons has been reduced from 52,152 in the week ending 14th December to 12,322 in the week ending 4th January, which is the latest week for which figures are at present available. I am continuing to watch the position closely.

Mr. Cocks

Could the Minister say what steps have been taken since 17th December to ease the situation, and what further steps are contemplated besides considering the matter?

Mr. Grenfell

All possible steps.

Mr. Cocks

But what steps?

Mr. Grenfell

The return of wagons from the places where they have been sent and the organisation of the traffic itself through the various difficult points in this country. It really is a long story. The output in the Midlands during the last week is higher than it has been since last July, and it is a very high figure.

Sir Percy Harris

Has not the Ministry had warning that this might happen again the same as last year? Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that matters will be improved?

Mr. Grenfell

Yes, Sir.

79. Mr. Culverwell

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is a growing shortage of coal in Bristol; and what steps he is taking to improve the position?

Mr. Grenfell

I am aware that there has been difficulty in obtaining coal in Bristol. But in view of the heavy pressure on transport facilities in the Bristol area, I am satisfied that deliveries of coal have been fairly well maintained. As a result of the steps now being taken, with the assistance of my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport I am hopeful that the position will further improve.

Mr. Culverwell

Is the Minister aware that since he was first approached and urged to take action in the matter the position has steadily got worse, and that the input of coal into Bristol is inadequate to meet current requirements? Will he really take energetic action to remedy the situation?

Mr. Grenfell

I have already said that I am taking energetic action, and I can assure the hon. Member that unless we are all entirely disappointed the position will improve.

Mr. de Rothschild

In view of the difficulties that exist at present on the railways, will the Minister not consult the Ministry of Transport so that some of this coal can be transported on the canals?

Mr. Grenfell

I have said in answer to three Questions that I am in close consultation with the Ministry of Transport. I could not possibly do all this without their assistance.

Mr. Culverwell

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.