§ 34. Mr. Molson (for Mr. Lewis)asked the Minister of Fuel and Power for what climatic reasons it is proposed under the Fuel Rationing Scheme to give a higher rationing in Scotland and the North of England than in the Midlands, and a higher ration in the Midlands than in London and the South, having regard to the fact in the winter the isotherms in 1372 Great Britain run North and South so that the climate is colder in the East than in the central districts, and colder in the central districts than in the West?
Major Lloyd GeorgeTaking the evidence afforded by the isotherms alone, it is true that the coldest parts of Great Britain in winter are along the East coast. But the ordinary dry bulb thermometer is not an adequate measure of temperature as it affects human beings. The rawness of the air in the North, the humidity in the West, must also be taken into account. Moreover, in summer the temperature does fall steadily from South to North. As a result of all these factors, the consumption of fuel has always increased steadily as one goes Northwards.
§ Mr. MolsonIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that in the rationing system introduced in the last war special provision was made in the case of certain parts of the country which, owing to their height or for other reasons, are colder than other parts; and is he also aware that most of the coal is consumed in the winter and not in the summer, and therefore the fall in the temperature in the summer is hardly relevant?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe point about isolated places is one which I will look into, but with regard to consumption, it is a fact that, taking a number of cases—admittedly as yet not a very large number—it is an extraordinary thing that as one goes northwards the consumption increases steadily.
§ Mr. LawsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that before the war, when coal was plentiful, business men argued before the Royal Commission on the distribution of population that light industries would not go North on account of the climate, and can they grumble now if, as a result of their own policy, they are penalised for coal?
§ Mr. ShinwellAre not these questions hypothetical? Do the Government really intend to put into operation this fuel rationing system?
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is very cold down in the East and that we cannot get coal? Is he aware that the hon. Member for Plaistow has not been able to get any coal for the last three months?