HC Deb 01 July 1941 vol 372 c1187
12. Mr. Brooke

asked the Secretary for Mines what improvement has taken place in coal production since the official statement five weeks ago that production in April and May was 500,000 tons a week below the target figure and that measures were being taken to remedy this deficiency?

Major Sir James Edmondson (Vice-Chamberlain of the Household)

I have been asked to reply. Production is still far below the desired level, but it is not in the public interest to publish the detailed figures. I will, however, let the hon. Member have them privately.

Mr. Brooke

Will my hon. and gallant Friend find out from the Secretary for Mines whether the measures which are being taken are on a sufficiently big scale to make good this deficiency and really rectify a very serious situation, or will they effect merely some small improvement in it?

Mr. Levy

Is it not true that some gas companies have less than three weeks stock of coal and that unless something is done there will be a closing down not only of the gas companies but of munition works?