§ 29. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Foxasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why an average of 14 tons of free coal is allowed to each miner in Northumberland per year and only 5.3 tons is allowed to each miner in North Staffordshire; and how this compares with the ordinary household ration.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to his Question on 21st November, 1946. With regard to the second part of the Question, there is no household ration as 636 such, but the maximum annual quantities of solid fuel obtainable without licence in the areas mentioned are 50 cwt. for coal and 40 cwt. for other fuels in the coke and anthracite group. These quantities may, however, be supplemented by licence from the local fuel overseer in respect of premises at which there is special need and no direct comparison with the miners' allowance is possible.
§ Sir G. FoxWill the Minister see that miners receive the same ration as other people in view of the fact that in my constituency farm workers with sickness in the house have no coal at all in their cottages and no means even of heating a meal, which causes great hardship? Cannot the miners be treated like every one else so that more coal can be spared throughout the country?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the hon. and gallant Member has specific instances of persons in his constituency who are without coal perhaps he will let me have details.