HC Deb 27 February 1947 vol 433 cc2259-60
27. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the amount of coal approximately above ground at the pitheads, at the latest available date.

Mr. Shinwell

Colliery stocks, on ground and in wagons, at 25th January, 1947, were 1,376,464 tons.

Sir W. Smithers

Does the Minister realise that he can get gas from coal, but not coal from gas or hot air?

Mr. Sparks

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to advise the railway companies of the quantity of coal likely to be transported on Sundays, so that they can make the necessary arrangements with their staff and thereby prevent a large number of men being booked on for Sunday duty when they are not actually required for the job?

Mr. Shinwell

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport