§ 11. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Assheton Pownallasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider placing certain extra supplies of fuel at the disposal of local authorities in those areas which have suffered severely from flying-bomb attacks, with a view to its being allocated to those homes which cannot be made weatherproof before the approaching winter.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe regions which have suffered from flying-bomb attacks have already had priority in house coal supplies during the summer, with the result that the merchants' reserve stocks in these regions are higher than they would have been if the general shortage of house coal had been allowed to fall equally on all regions. In addition to the merchants' stocks substantial tonnages are also held in Government reserve stocks in the areas affected and will be released for distribution if necessary.
1546 In the creation of these Government reserve stocks, I have already received valuable assistance from local authorities, but I do not propose to ask them to undertake the distribution of coal because they are not normally equipped for this work. The local fuel overseers; however, who are officers of the local authorities, will be generally responsible for ensuring that the supplies and stocks in their areas are fairly distributed, having regard to the special needs of persons living in damaged premises, and I have already been promised the full co-operation of the distributive coal trade in carrying this policy into effect.
§ 14. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power, if during this winter, before allowing any coal produced in this country to be sold abroad, he will see to it that the reasonable requirements for comfort are available for our own people.
Major Lloyd GeorgeAs I have informed the House on previous occasions, we are not exporting any coal except what is necessary for the war effort. Subject to this qualification the answer is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. BowlesMay I take it that any coal which is exported to Italy is in conformity with and in pursuance of the Prime Minister's statement that our policy is to "let them stew in their own juice," and that we heat it up for them?