HC Deb 23 June 1942 vol 380 cc1805-7
34 and 36. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) whether he is aware that thousands of people have not the means or accommodation to stock coal; and what action is to be taken in order that people in this position shall not go short of coal;

(2) whether he is aware that many people resident in industrial centres, have little or no stock of coal and are only receiving one hundredweight per week, while the Government have advised people to stock a ton; what steps it is proposed to take in order that there shall be an equitable distribution of the available supplies and avoid the hardships caused by the shortage during the past two winters?

Major Lloyd George

I am aware that stocks of domestic coal are low, that supplies are short, and that many people have little or no stocking accommodation. By spreading the supplies as equitably as possible during the summer months over those who can stock, the strain on labour, transport and supplies in the winter is to that extent relieved; with the aid of the stocks which it is intended to build up in merchants' depots, coupled with the reserve resources of the Government dumps, there should be a sufficiency of supplies for delivery in the winter to those who are without cellar space.

Mr. Smith

Can the Minister give an undertaking that people who have supplies of coal will receive none while other people who have no coal will receive the coal available? In view of the increasing transport and shipping difficulties has not the time arrived for a scientific distribution of coal?

Mr. Buchanan

Is the Minister aware that the answer he has given is in contradiction to those given by the President of the Board of Trade and the Leader of the House a short time ago, when they said that the only way to get coal to the poor people was by rationing at once?

Captain Strickland

Is the Minister aware that, within the last few weeks, there has not been sufficient coal at Coventry to allow each house 5 cwts.?

Major Lloyd George

I believe a separate Question will be asked on that point.

Mr. Ellis Smith

May I have an answer to my question?

Major Lloyd George

The hon. Member knows that there is a restriction upon the coal that can be acquired.

Mr. Smith

Not rationed.

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir, but the hon. Member knows that the Government have said that they will be ready to put rationing into operation when the need arises. When the need arises we shall do so.

Mr. Smith

Is the Minister aware that thousands of people cannot obtain any coal? Seeing that it is summer, has not the time arrived to put a proper rationing scheme into operation?

Major Lloyd George

One of the reasons why this Ministry was formed is to put that position right. At the present moment I am doing all I can to put it right.

Mr. Shinwell

Can the Minister say whether there is any need for rationing or not? Will he say one way or the other?

Major Lloyd George

I think my hon. Friend has asked that question before. I cannot answer it at the moment, but I am doing my best to ensure that we shall not have to ration.

Mr. Ellis Smith

And let the people suffer in the winter?

Major Lloyd George

I am trying to be fair and prudent. I am taking every step to be prepared to ration if necessary.