§ 63. Mr. A. C. Reedasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that weather statistics show that the South-West of England needs as much coal as the North-West; and whether, in view of this fact, he will be prepared to amend Statutory Rule and Order, No. 450, so that the South-West may have a fairer allocation of coal?
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)I cannot accept my hon. Friend's statement. The South Western Region as a whole is appreciably warmer than the North Western, and the humidity is the same. Moreover, the restrictions on coal supplies to controlled premises are based on a number of considerations, of which climate is only one, and I regret that I could not amend the Direction in the manner suggested.
§ Mr. ReedIs it not a fact that the Western coast of Wales, owing to the influence of the Gulf Stream, is far warmer than many parts of Devonshire, and certainly drier? Should not the coal allocation, therefore, be fairly equalised?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir; the South West, to which my hon. Friend's Question refers, is considerably warmer than the North West. There are other considerations, of course, besides climate. The average consumption of coal in the North West is 80 per cent. greater than in the 1058 South West, and many other considerations have to be taken into account.