§ 71. Captain Pluggeasked the Secretary for Mines what he estimates to be the necessary amount of coal which should be stocked under the auspices of the local authorities in Chatham and Rochester, respectively, as a reserve for the coming winter?
§ Mr. GrenfellI assume that the hon. and gallant Member refers to coal stocks held on Government account. No specific maximum has been laid down either for this area or any other: it all turns on how much coal is available after meeting the prior needs for current consumption and for stocks for essential industry. We shall put into Government stock as much as we can to supplement the efforts of individual consumers and merchants and we shall spread such stocks as fairly as possible.
§ Captain PluggeWill the hon. Gentleman give every possible assistance in maintaining stocks?
§ Mr. GrenfellYes, Sir, I am very anxious indeed that there shall be Government stocks, because a large number of householders in this country have not the accommodation for private stocks and stocks must be made on Government account in large central dumps.