HC Deb 03 October 1944 vol 403 c718
10. Lieut.-Colonel Lancaster

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the consumption of coal by the Armed Forces of the United Nations in Great Britain during the coal year 1943–44.

Major Lloyd George

I regret that, as stated in the Statistical Digest recently issued by my Ministry, I am precluded on security grounds from giving figures of the total consumption of coal by the Armed Forces of the United Nations in this country during the last coal year.

11. Mr. Molson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is in a position to estimate the tonnage of British coal which will be required for the Armed Forces of the United Nations operating on the Continent of Europe in the coal year of 1944–45.

Major Lloyd George

Estimates of the coal which will be required from this country for operational needs on the Continent of Europe form part of my supply programme for the current coal year. My hon. Friend will realise that I could not on security grounds state to what these estimates amount.

Mr. Molson

Will the Minister say whether he thinks that the conditions this winter are going to be easier or worse than they were last winter, having regard to the operations on the Continent of Europe?

Major Lloyd George

They certainly will not be any easier because we have to meet the requirements for operational purposes—they certainly will not be easier than last winter.

Mr. Thorne

When the right hon. Gentleman exports coal, what does he get back in exchange?

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