HC Deb 28 May 1946 vol 423 cc975-7
30. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in connection with the stocks of coal which have been provided for emergency purposes, he will give an assurance that full recognition has been given to the drastic deterioration which takes place if coal is maintained in this manner for a substantial period of time and that the stocks are being repeatedly turned over.

Mr. Shinwell

Of the emergency stocks of coal laid down on Government account between 1940 and 1943, over two-thirds have now been sold to meet consumers' essential requirements, and few complaints have been received of deterioration in the quality of the coal supplied. I appreciate that some of the more friable domestic coals tend to break down in size whilst lying in stock, but provision is made for screening such coal before it is disposed of to domestic consumers. The question of disposing of these emergency stocks is receiving attention.

Mr. De la Bère

But will the right hon. Gentleman specially bear in mind that there is undoubtedly a certain amount of deterioration still going on, and, in view of the grave shortage, will he take steps to see that these coals are used now, or that steps are taken to turn them over in the necessary way to avoid waste?

Mr. Shinwell

I am trying to dispose of them as fast as is practicable.

31. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the existing stocks of coal in this country; and what total stocks he is aiming at accumulating.

Mr. Shinwell

Total distributed stocks at end of last month were approximately 6½ million tons. In order to be sure that the country will get through next winter without serious industrial stoppages due to lack of fuel, we would have to aim at bringing stocks to a total of about 16 million tons by 1st November next.

34. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the fact that, during the recent Winter, coal stocks in London fell short of reasonable demands, what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate stocks are built up during this Summer so that supplies are available for the coming Winter.

Mr. Shinwell

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that I fully realise the need for building up stocks of coal during the Summer months, and I am taking all possible steps to this end.

35. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give publicity to the need for merchants to set aside substantial reserve stocks for winter supply to those who have no stocking facilities and so encourage small consumers to save fuel now; and what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate labour and transport will be available to make these small deliveries during the Winter.

Mr. Shinwell

All merchants have been notified of the tonnage they must stock between May and October, and that this stocking must be a first charge on their supplies. Merchants' stocks cannot, however, be laid down on a scale which would enable me to guarantee delivery of the full permitted quantities during the Winter, and I have emphatically warned all consumers that supplies distributed in the Summer are intended primarily for use next Winter. With regard to the last part of the Question, the labour position will be kept under constant review. I do not anticipate any special difficulties in the transport position.

Commander Noble

Would the right hon. Gentleman give wide publicity to this statement, and so encourage people to save fuel?

Mr. Shin well

I cannot imagine any wider publicity than this Question and the answer.