§ 42. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether he has any information as to the various developments in respect of fuel-rationing schemes in Germany; and what is the present scheme in that country?
§ Mr. FootSolid fuel has been rationed in Germany since the beginning of the war, and the various changes which have been made from time to time have all been designed to reduce consumption. In the year 1940–1941 households heated by stoves were allotted coal and coke according to climatic zones, number of rooms and number of inhabitants. During the year 1941–1942, however, they have had a basic allowance of half a ton of brown coal briquettes, or a lesser amount of better quality fuel. Householders who have no facilities for using gas or electricity received an additional ration. Centrally heated buildings received the same quota as the previous year, provided that it did not exceed 6 tons, but persons living in such buildings who also needed coal for cooking and washing purposes were only permitted 50 per cent. of the previous year's ration. Similar arrangements are being continued this year.
§ Mr. FootElectricity and gas have never been rationed in Germany. Of course, they have never been used for domestic purposes to the same extent as in this country.
Mr. StewartWould it be true to say that in fact a universal rationing scheme had ultimately to be considerably modified on account of the practical difficulties met with?
§ Mr. FootThere has never been a universal rationing scheme, but only one for coal and other solid fuels. There has never been a rationing scheme for gas and electricity.