§ 5. Captain Lyonsasked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to supplement the coal reserves for the coming winter in view of experiences in preceding winters and the chaos then existing; and whether he is now satisfied that he has all reasonable powers to conserve labour in coal-getting and coal distributing in the requirements of the national interest?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe House is already aware of the Government's plans to accumulate large stocks of coal throughout the country, mainly in the hands of consumers but also in merchants' yards and in Government-owned dumps. The fulfilment of this programme depends almost entirely on the necessary increase in output. The House has also recently approved financial arrangements enabling the Essential Work Order to be applied to the mining industry. On other aspects of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Answer to Question No. 4.
§ Captain LyonsMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is quite powerless in the matter, because unless he gets some real authority to take a firm stand, this chaotic position will arise year after year?
§ Mr. LevyIs my hon. Friend aware that some action should be taken—his Reply theoreticaly is just wonderful, but in practice it does not work out—and that the building-up of coal reserves is absolutely necessary? What is he going to do about it?
§ Mr. James GriffithsMay I ask whether the industry will not very much welcome this new interest in the mining industry shown by people who have shown no interest in it for over 20 years?
§ Captain LyonsIs not that a highly irrelevant and objectionable remark?