§ 44. Mr. Bartlettasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in order to prevent a repetition next winter of last winter's 186 coal scarcities, he is preparing, in collaboration with the Minister of Transport, a scheme for the organisation of coal dumps in every town and village?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)A scheme has been prepared for the laying down of reserves at widely distributed points all over the country, but a substantial increase in the present rate of production is needed if the sites which have been prepared are all to be filled during the summer. It would, however, be hardly practicable to have dumps in every town and village.
§ Mr. BartlettAre steps being taken, even with the reserves that we have, to see that they are distributed now, because of the possibility of a breakdown of communications later on?
§ Mr. GrenfellYes, Sir. I do not think there will be a shortage of sites. It is a question of finding supplies.
§ Mr. BuchananIs my hon. Friend aware that in Glasgow the reserves are being eaten into and stocks are not being built up? Will he see that something is done about that?
§ Mr. GrenfellI have made investigations in Glasgow and they are not eating into reserves there at the present time.
§ Brigadier-General Clifton BrownWill the Minister pay more attention to getting the miners and the owners to produce more coal, in order to fill the dumps that are empty now?
§ Mr. GrenfellI have seen the owners and the miners, and the campaign for production is proceeding. I have warned the House and everybody concerned that we shall need large quantities of coal this summer. Pit committees and district committees are being set up, and we are promised the most active support. I am optimistic that, with that support, we shall get adequate quantities of coal this summer.