§ 40. Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of shortage of coal in the Tondu district of Glamorganshire, where schools as well as households are affected; and whether he will remedy the matter by increasing the allocation of fuel.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)I am not aware that there has been any serious shortage of coal in the district referred to. Receipts during recent weeks have exceeded disposals and the few complaints received from domestic consumers were satisfactorily dealt with. Deliveries to one school were interfered with by bad weather.
§ Mr. MolsonWould it not be a good thing if the county of Glamorgan increased its production of coal?
§ 42. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the present system of distributing coal to householders is not giving satisfaction; and will he now consider some other scheme that will ensure that the supplies he has over given periods are equally distributed according to the needs of the household.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeSupplies of house coal are distributed, according to the amounts available, as fairly as possible, having regard to the circumstances of individual consumers. If my hon. Friend has in mind any instances of apparent inequity I shall be glad to inquire into them.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the feeling that pre- 618 vails that things are not by any means satisfactory and that he should consider some other scheme to give more satisfaction? Is the Department going into that matter?
Major Lloyd GeorgI cannot agree that there is a general feeling of dissatisfaction. I think we can say, in view of the difficulties of six winters of war, that on the whole things have been very satisfactory; but I am prepared at all times, as I am doing now, to look into the situation with a view to further improvement.
§ Mr. TinkerTo give the Minister some chance of doing so, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at the first opportunity.