§ 23. Mr. G. Straussasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of coal for domestic use in some parts of London; and whether he will release some of the stocks to fill the gap?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)I am aware that merchants' stocks of solid fuel are low in certain parts of London, chiefly owing to 1035 difficulties occasioned by the recent spell of severe weather; but nowhere can the position be described as acute. Authority had already been given for the sale to merchants of coal from Government dumps in any case where that course is necessary.
§ Mr. StraussIs my hon. Friend aware that the shortage in Lambeth is really serious, particularly among small consumers, many of whom have not been able to get any coal for three weeks or more? Will he look into that problem particularly and see that merchants are supplied from the dumps with the coal necessary for small consumers?