§ 5. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will authorise local fuel overseers to use their discretion in making a slight increase in the monthly allocation of coal to householders without gas and who were unable to lay in coal in the summer months, either owing to lack of storage space or because, to the knowledge of the fuel overseer, the local merchant was unable to supply coal at the time.
Major Lloyd GeorgeFor the reasons given in my reply to a question by the hon. Member for East Rhondda (Mr. Mainwaring) on 23rd November last, I can hold out no hope of any relaxation in existing restrictions on the supply of coal to the domestic market. Local fuel overseers, however, are authorised to grant additional licences where necessary on account of sickness, or where there is exceptional need combined with the complete absence of alternative fuels.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill a householder who has no gas appliances be authorised, under this system, to obtain extra coal if he requires it?
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is great dissatisfaction among consumers of coal who have not received their December supply, although it was ordered well in advance, and as a result they have lost the opportunity of obtaining extra coal and have only the January amount supplied?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI would be very glad if the hon. Gentleman would communicate with me on that point.