§ 37. Mr. A. G. Walkdenasked the Minister of Fuel and Power, whether he is aware that the supplies of coal now reaching Bristol are hardly sufficient to meet current requirements; that merchants are unable to accumulate reserves; and, as house-holders are apprehensive that, during the oncoming winter, they will again suffer inconvenience and hardship, will he will make great supplies available together with proper arrangements for rationing before the approach of cold weather?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIt has recently been necessary to divert from Bristol a certain quantity of house coal which would normally have gone there; but this 842 operation has now been completed, and arrangements are being made under which merchants' stocks in Bristol may be expected from now onwards steadily to increase until the beginning of winter. On the question of rationing, I have nothing to add to the statement made to the House on the 10th June last by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs the Minister aware that throughout the whole of the summer season the Co-operative Society, responsible for the distribution of one-third of the supplies, has been unable to obtain any coal?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI should like to have particulars. The reasons during the summer months are as I have stated. Those reasons have now disappeared, and I hope things will be better shortly.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the Minister aware that I deal with the Co-operatives and have not been able to get my share since May?