§ 27. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why his Ministry state publicly that the allocation of coal for the months of May and June was 15 cwts. and issue private circulars to coal deliverers and merchants stating that 15 cwts. 562 is not a ration; and will he institute a coal-rationing scheme so that there can be a fair distribution of coal.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)The statement that 15 cwts. is not a ration forms part of the public announcements issued by my Department, and is not a private instruction to merchants. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir."
§ Mr. SmithDoes the Minister desire to bring about fair distribution of coal? If so, is he in a position to guarantee it throughout the country?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think that, at the present time, distribution is as fair as can be devised.