§ 3. Mr. Boothbyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that anthracite and phurnacite are now unobtainable in Aberdeenshire, with the result that people who possess Aga or Esse cookers are unable to use them; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs.
§ Mr. ShinwellSized anthracite and phurnacite are generally in short supply, but large anthracite is fairly plentiful and stocks are widely distributed over the county of Aberdeen. Though not ideal for the purpose, this can be broken up and used in stoves of the Aga or Esse type, 201 and many consumers are using this type of fuel. I am not aware of any case in Aberdeenshire where an Aga or Esse stove cannot be used because of lack of fuel, but if the hon. Gentleman will let me have particulars of any such cases, I will investigate them.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteIs the Minister aware that there is a great shortage of anthracite in the whole of my division, concerning which I have written to him, and will he not look into it?
§ Mr. Shinwellthe matter is being investigated, but the hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that, not only is anthracite in short supply, but there are considerable transport difficulties, because the bulk of it comes from South Wales.