HC Deb 14 March 1944 vol 398 c8
15. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how the average weekly output of coal from British mines during the month of February compares with the similar period in each of the four preceding years?

Major Lloyd George

As the answer involves a number of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir A. Southby

In view of the fact that only five years are involved, could my right hon. and gallant Friend not give the figures now?

Major Lloyd George

That means 35 figures. It would take rather long.

Sir A. Southby

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say to what extent the shortage exists, compared with last February?

Major Lloyd George

Certainly. The shortage is in the neighbourhood of 200,000 tons.

Sir A. Southby

Will he bring to the notice of those responsible for the stoppage of work in the coal industry the results which would accrue if the Merchant Navy and the Services went out on strike?

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Would it be possible for the Minister to give figures for the net output of coal without the dirt?

The information is as follows:

The average weekly output of saleable coal during the month of February in each year from 1940 to 1944 was as follows:

Tons.
1940 … … … 4,415,000
1941 … … … 3,904,000
1942 … … … 4,042,000
1943 … … … 4,019,000
1944 … … … 3,785,000
The figures for February, 1943, and February, 1944, are provisional.