HC Deb 16 July 1946 vol 425 c1040
38. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he can yet give an assurance that sufficient stocks of industrial coal will be available to enable British industry to be fully employed during the winter.

Mr. Shinwell

It is clearly not possible to give a definite assurance of the kind asked for, but I shall try by every possible means to ensure that British industry will have the fuel it needs next winter.

Mr. Shephard

Arising out of that answer, which is very disturbing, could the Minister give authority for industrial firms to stock up during the summer when the amount of fuel consumed is not so great?

Mr. Shinwell

Of course, industrial firms are now in process of stocking up.

Mr. Shephard

Is the Minister aware that a particular firm of which I have knowledge asked permission to stock up during the summer, and that they were refused?

Mr. Shinwell

It depends on what they wanted in the way of stock, and whether the amount they wanted was more than that to which they were entitled. If the hon. Member will give me any information about this case, I will see what I can do.