§ 20. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that, in some instances, it has been impossible to obtain sufficient fuel for the heating of churches for Sunday services; and what action is being taken to ensure supplies.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the hon. Member will send me particulars of any case in which a local fuel overseer has been unable to meet a request for assistance, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.
§ Mr. SutcliffeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the North-East coast there are some churches and Sunday schools which have been without fuel for nearly a month, and that the suppliers tell them they have orders from the Ministry to give entertainments, including public houses, priority over the churches? Will he have that order countermanded at once?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt may well be that some churches have been short of coal, but so have many other people. Of course there is a shortage of domestic coal. I have said that over and over again. As long as 1468 there is a shortage there must be some difficulties, and we are trying to correct them as rapidly as we can.
§ Mr. SutcliffeIs the Minister aware that this is a question of priority between entertainments of all sorts and churches? Will he look into this question?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not in a position to offer any comment on the question of priority as between churches and public houses.
§ Mr. JenningsOn a point of Order. Is there no means whereby we can get a direct answer to a Question?
§ Mr. SpeakerThere are no means at all. It is up to the Minister.
§ Mr. SutcliffeIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.