§ 21. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the quantity of coal allotted to the wool industry is 25 per cent. below its requirements and that the average stock held by the industry is not more 159 than one week's supply; and what steps he is taking to prevent the closing down of the mills.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe quantity of coal allocated to the wool industry and to industry generally is based on consumption and stocks and is sufficient for requirements, but owing to the output position it has not been possible in recent weeks to deliver the allocations in full. Distribution of the supplies available is on a fair and equitable basis, and wherever possible special measures are being taken at the expense of fulfilling allocations generally to give extra supplies to firms to prevent them closing down.