HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 cc1121-2
32. Mr. Touche

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the hardship experienced by householders who have neither gas or electricity available either for cooking or for heating; and whether he will authorise local fuel overseers to allow additional supplies of coal in such cases.

Major Lloyd George

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 18th January to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox).

36. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that in the city of Glasgow residents in tenement buildings are only allowed five cwts. per month of coal; that they have no storage accommodation; that, in most cases, they have neither gas nor electric fire; that this allotment is inadequate and particularly so where there are young children; and will he cause inquiry to be made into the position.

Major Lloyd George

The maximum quantity of house coal which may be supplied to controlled premises in Glasgow is, in February, as it was in January, 5 cwts. per month. I appreciate the need to make special provision for consumers who have no storage accommodation. Those who had such accommodation were urged to stock up during last summer and autumn in order to release labour and transport during the winter to supply those with no storage accommodation and priority of delivery is now being given to householders without reserve stocks. With the exercise of proper economy and the judicious use of alternative fuels, I am satisfied that 5 cwts. per month should suffice to avoid undue hardship in the majority of cases, but the Local Fuel Overseer has authority to grant licences for additional quantities in cases of illness or where there is exceptional need.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the Minister aware that, in practically one-half of the houses in the city of Glasgow, five cwt. is the total consumption of coal, and alongside all that there are people who have been able to store larger amounts and who still receive the five cwt.; and will he take steps to sweep away this awful form of rationing which has no equality? I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again, because it is indefensible.