HC Deb 14 July 1942 vol 381 c1064
30. Mr. Ammon

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that, in some of the Metropolitan boroughs, coal merchants complain of lack of supplies and that the local fuel overseers consider the outlook for the coming winter worse than the last;and whether he can give any assurance that the necessary supplies will be forthcoming?

Major Lloyd George

My hon. Friend-knows, from the recent Debates in this House, that supplies of coal for domestic purposes are less ample now than in the past, and I cannot give an assurance that supplies will be forthcoming on such a level that difficulties will not arise. It is for that reason that I have already launched a vigorous fuel economy campaign, in the hope that voluntary savings in fuel consumption will make unnecessary the imposition of compulsory rationing. At the same time steps are being taken to make further improvements in the arrangements for distribution, so as to ensure that the available supplies of house coal are shared as fairly as possible between all classes of consumers.

Mr. Ammon

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that, for very small consumers and those with little accommodation, rationing is necessary, otherwise we shall have the tremendous difficulty that we had last year, and nothing will lower the morale of the people more than being cold?

Major Lloyd George

I am aware of those difficulties, and everything that can be done will be done to see that this class of consumer gets its requirements.

Captain Duncan

Will arrangements be made to let this Chamber set an example in fuel economy? There are 240 lights burning at this moment.

Viscountess Astor

It is the case also in small rooms. In the ladies' room lights are left on.