§ 34. Mr. Rickardsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is satisfied that the new arrangements made for distributing coal to small consumers is working satisfactorily?
Major Lloyd GeorgeAn instruction has been sent to all coal merchants indicating the arrangements necessary to give 995 effect to the pledge which I gave in the House on 1st October that the small consumer shall have priority of coal deliveries this winter. The arrangements are to be put into force on a gradual scale from now onwards, and are to be in complete operation during the 13 weeks commencing 28th December.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a shortage of coke usually goes with a shortage of coal?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThere may be a shortage in some cases which my hon. Friend has in mind, but taking the country as a whole there is no shortage of coke.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in Glasgow and the West of Scotland his Direction does not apply with the same force because people there never had an opportunity of storing any coal?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe purpose of this scheme is to provide for those who have no storage capacity. The small man is the one who will get priority because he has no storage capacity.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the Minister aware that these people are not getting priority?
§ Mr. BuchananAre they to go without coal until then?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThat is an improper observation, for the hon. Gentleman must know that it is not true. People are not going without coal.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the Minister aware that already in the City of Glasgow there is an acute shortage in certain parts and the people cannot wait until 28th December?
Major Lloyd GeorgeConsidering everyday consumption in Glasgow that really is not so, and their needs should be met.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenWhat is the Minister doing to provide adequate labour to supply the coal?