§ 66. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why he is establishing a 320 reserve dump of coal at Solihull before residents have been able to obtain the authorised quantity for storage; and whether he will direct that local merchants shall receive all available supplies until admissible demands are satisfied?
Major Lloyd GeorgeReserve stocks of house coal are being created in a number of places, in addition to those already in existence, in order that, should there be serious difficulties over house coal supplies during next winter, some reserves may be available in consuming areas to assist those classes of consumer who, for physical or other reasons, are unable to lay in their own stocks. In my view, some reserves for this purpose must be created even though this should result in other householders not being able, for the time being, to obtain the full permitted stocks.
§ Sir J. MellorDoes my right hon. and gallant Friend know that, as a result of this stacking, a large proportion of the coal is reduced to slack, and would it not be much more economical if the merchants were allowed to unload the trucks and distribute the coal for private storage?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIt is of vital importance that we should have stocks to fall back upon in case of emergency during next winter I am most anxious that those stocks should be there. I am satisfied that there is no greater deterioration in dumps of this sort than in any other dumps.
§ Sir J. MellorWould it not be better to fill the private storage first?
Major Lloyd GeorgeAs my hon. Friend knows, private storage up to a certain extent is allowed at the present time, but I am anxious that, for those people who have no means of stocking or storing, there should be sufficient dumps to supply them.