HC Deb 21 May 1941 vol 371 cc1521-2
14. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to remedy the serious shortage of coal in the West Midlands; whether he is aware that it is proving impossible in many cases to maintain the minimum supply of two cwts. per week; that thousands of households are short of coal; and that fair distribution between merchants is not taking place?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)

Yes, Sir, I am aware that the house coal situation in parts of the Midland area is difficult. Various causes have contributed to the depletion of stocks and in some cases to actual shortage of current supplies. To the extent that there is a shortage of production, the industry is being requested to make every effort, with the help of my Department, to ensure that production during the summer will be sufficient to provide adequately for all industrial and domestic needs and to replenish stocks in preparation for next winter.

Mr. Mander

Can my hon. Friend hold out any hopes of immediate action being taken to supply people in the West Midlands with the coal which they cannot get at the present time, as many coal merchants simply have not coal to deliver to their customers?

Mr. Grenfell

In conditions of shortage the hon. Member and the House will be aware that what are called priorities come into operation, and there are schemes for domestic consumers of coal. For the moment I think that priorities must have first place, but we are hoping to have an increase of production.

Mr. Mander

Does that really mean that the Government admit that they are not in a position to supply customers and householders at the present time with sufficient coal with which to carry on?

Mr. Grenfell

I am afraid that that is so in some districts; it is clear that they are not being supplied.