§ 8. Mr. R. J. Taylorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the cost of equipping the site of the coal-stocking dump, of which he has been informed; why, after this expenditure, the site has been abandoned without any coal being laid down; and whether he has any statement to make regarding storage nearby?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe site to which my hon. Friend draws attention is one of 645 a number of sites in the colliery areas which my Ministry has equipped for the reception of a substantial tonnage of coal in the event of transport difficulties which might interfere with normal distribution to consumers, and which would otherwise involve the closing of pits. The site has not yet been used, but there is no question of abandoning it, and I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that this is an essential form of insurance against possible loss of production.
§ Mr. TaylorIs the Minister aware the first part of the Question relates not to the site he mentions but to another site which is being put within two miles of the one which is more or less completed?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI thought the one to which the hon. Member's Question referred was the one with which I have dealt in my answer. If I have misunderstood him, I shall be very glad to look into the matter.
§ Mr. TaylorDoes the Minister think it wise to proceed with this expensive scheme when within a region of five miles there are facilities for up to 750,000 tons of coal to be dumped and there is none lying there at the present time?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe fact that none is lying there has no bearing on the matter, as these facilities are for emergency purposes. I dealt with the case which I thought was the one the hon. Member referred to, and there, I am satisfied, there is no waste at all.