§ 22. Sir Leonard Lyleasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any statement on the coal situation, especially in regard to the stocking of this commodity for the coming winter, both by private individuals and by public utilities?
§ Mr. GrenfellSince the House last met, coal output has been much affected by holidays, and progress in adding to stocks has been slow in consequence. With the added man-power now available I look forward to a rapid improvement in the immediate future.
§ Sir L. LyleIs not the only way to deal with this matter for the War Cabinet to insist upon the release of suitable men from the Army?
§ Mr. A. BevanIs the Minister not aware that coal stocks in many parts of the country are crumbling into dust because they have been there in some cases for over a year; that old stocks are not being used in preference to new stocks, which are continually being used; and that there is a loss of thousands of tons of coal, in consequence of foolishness on the part of the Minister's Department or of some other Department?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe hon. Member is quite right in calling attention to the age of the coal stocks, some of which are 12 months old, and others many years old. The question of drawing upon old stocks first is very important, and we are taking steps to see that some of the older stocks are used as they are replaced with new.
§ Mr. BevanIs the Minister aware that permission has been sought for this to be done, but that it has been refused?