SUPPLIES. (Hansard, 24 June 1941)

§ 12. Mr. Mathers
asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to improve the supplies of coal at medium prices for household use in West Lothian and the Edinburgh district; and whether he will arrange that less of this type of coal will be commandeered by priority measures for stocking for future use while householders go short?

§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)
The supply of coal for all purposes in Scotland will not equal the full demand for consumption and stocking purposes unless there is a substantial improvement in output. The requirements of essential industrial and transport undertakings must be met even if this involves the diversion of coal from other uses and the only solution to the problem lies in the increased output for which I am appealing.

§ Mr. Mathers
Would it be possible for the Minister to ensure that when priority orders have been given effect to, they will not completely cut off the supplies of household coal, and with regard to output may we have an assurance that we shall have his assistance in getting men back to the mines when they want to return, for example, from the Army?

§ Mr. Grenfell
With regard to the first point, I can give that assurance, but it may be that later on there will be announced a limitation of supplies. With regard to the second point, I am not to determine where the men come from, but I maintain the view that the men who have gone away from the mining industry will have to return if we are to get the necessary output.

§ Mr. Lawson
Is my hon. Friend satisfied that the arrangements stated by the Minister of Labour in his broadcast recently will serve to meet the needs of the coming winter?

§ Mr. Grenfell
Certainly.

§ 15. Mr. de Rothschild
asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the difficulties experienced by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Electricity Company in replenishing their reserve stocks of coal; and whether, since factories and works engaged in essential production rely on this company for their supplies of electricity, he will get into touch with the Central Electricity Board in order that steps may be taken to avoid the possibility of a curtailment of supply to these users?

§ Mr. Grenfell
I understand that this electricity company have hitherto drawn their current from the main grid supply of the Central Electricity Board. Steps are being taken to improve the coal stocks held by grid stations, and I have no reason to believe that these are in any danger of failure or curtailment of supply through shortage of coal. The position at the company's new station, to which I presume the hon. Member refers, is that there is already a substantial tonnage of coal in stock, and the necessary steps will be taken to provide the supplies required when the station comes into operation.