§ 41. Sir John Wardlaw-Milneasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the deliveries of coal to the town of Redditch during the month of August this year were only 81 per cent. of that supplied in August, 1940; that the population in the meantime has greatly increased; that merchants have been quite unable to deliver to consumers even the restricted quantity of two tons for storage suggested by the Mines Department; and what action he is taking in the matter?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. In order to meet essential industrial demand, some diversion of coal from the domestic market has been inevitable, and this coupled with the fact that the population of Redditch is 12 per cent. higher than it was in June, 1939 (though 10 per cent. lower than it was in December, 1940), has naturally led to some difficulties in maintaining adequate supplies of house coal in this area. An improvement in the position must depend upon an increase of output and the exercise of strict economy by all consumers. In the meantime my Department is taking all possible steps to ensure that the available supplies of house coal are distributed as equitably as circumstances permit.