§ 4. Colonel Errollasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much coal is going to be allocated to the Army at home in the corning winter, in order to maintain the weekly allowance to units of 112 pounds per head.
§ Mr. ShinwellCoal supplies to the Army at home are not based on a specific weekly allowance per head but are allocated on a programme agreed with the War Office which is designed to meet the minimum requirements and is subject to review each month to allow for changes in strength.
§ Colonel ErrollCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the allocation of coal to the Army will be reduced in conformity with the numbers of men being demobilised?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am doing everything possible to reduce supplies for the Army, but, of course, we have to see that they are properly supplied. I am trying to supply them with wood fuel as an alternative.
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonIf we put down a Question, can the Minister give us the actual figures month by month?
§ Mr. ShinwellI can give the right hon. Gentleman figures of the allocation of coal and coke for the Army now. It is approximately 30,000 tons per week—17,000 tons of coal and 13,000 tons of coke.
§ Mr. HudsonWould the Minister not agree that these figures do not give a very comprehensive picture unless we know the number of men involved?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the right hon. Gentleman is dissatisfied he can always put down another Question.