§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Mr. Snow.]
1218§ 1.50 a.m.
§ Mr. Medlicott (Norfolk, Eastern)I wish to raise a matter which affects a large number of people in East Anglia—that of the allocation of fuel for domestic consumption. This is not a new matter to the Minister concerned. Indeed, as late as yesterday he received a deputation of Members from the area affected, and received us with complete courtesy but without very much promise of being able to help us. The allocation of fuel for domestic consumption is made upon geographical considerations resulting from the line which is drawn from East to West. The line runs from the Wash on the East to the Severn on the West. I would like to make the preliminary point that those of us who have examined this matter do not admit. that questions of climate can be disposed of solely by drawing a line of that description. We suggest that questions whether an area is East or West are as material, from the point of view of climate, as whether they are North or South. But the drawing of this line has very material consequences for domestic users, because, in the areas which are above that line, their annual allowance of fuel is 50 cwts. per household, but, below that line, the amount allotted is 34 cwts. It is clear that a difference of 16 cwts.—
§ Notice taken that 40 Members were not present; House counted. and, 40 Members not being present the House was adjourned at five minutes to Two o'Clock, till this day.