HC Deb 07 October 1941 vol 374 cc827-8
33. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that nucleus cotton spinning companies in Lancashire engaged on urgent Government work have been stopped owing to inadequate and unsuitable supplies of coal; and what steps he is taking to prevent this interference with the national war effort?

Mr. Grenfell

Under the programme of coal supplies for the cotton industry recently organised by the Department's Regional Officers and the Cotton Control Board, certain re-arrangements of supply were necessary in the general interest. In a few cases these changes led to complaints that the coal supplied under the programme was unsuitable. All these cases are being investigated by technical experts, and it is hoped that any difficulties that have been experienced will speedily be overcome.

Mr. Hammersley

Is the Minister aware that in some cases the coal allocated is so bad that it puts out the fires and that in consequence the mill is stopped and the operatives have to be sent home, and will he look into this matter, in view of the fact that it is stopping urgent national work?

Mr. Grenfell

It is because of the complaints that the steps indicated in my reply have been taken. There is good coal and bad coal; it is our intention to supply suitable coal, and it is for that reason that this technical advice has been given.

Mr. Hammersley

Is the Minister aware that these matters have been brought to the attention of the Department concerned, that in spite of representations by everybody in the industry the coal is unsuitable, and that, in fact, the technical officers have not made the change in allocation which is necessary? Is it not rather scandalous that mills should be stopped because of this fact?

Mr. Grenfell

I am not quite sure that it is possible to arrange everything without there being a risk of an occasional stoppage owing to unsuitable or insufficient coal. I can assure the hon. Member that we are guilty of no lack of attention. The problem is one of greater, production, and within our supplies we are doing everything we can to see that coal of a satisfactory nature is sent to all classes of consumers. We are paying attention to this matter, and I am sure that the hon. Member will be satisfied.