HC Deb 01 May 1947 vol 436 cc2150-1
12. Mr. Prescott

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether deliveries of coal will be able to be made to Lancashire cotton mills to conform with the present allocation of 75 per cent.

Mr. Shinwell

Every effort will be made to ensure that deliveries of coal to Lancashire cotton mills are maintained at the amount allocated to them.

Mr. Prescott

Can the Minister hold out any hope when the allocation might be increased to 100 per cent.?

Mr. Shinwell

I believe a statement will be made on the subject of allocations by my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade this afternoon.

Mr. Drayson

Will the Minister give the same guarantee in regard to the textile industry in Yorkshire, and will he also assure me that they will not get any less favourable treatment than the cotton industry in Lancashire?

Mr. Shinwell

The Question was about Lancashire and not Yorkshire.

Sir Frank Sanderson

Can the Minister state when it is expected that industry will receive the amount of coal required?

Mr. Shinwell

I have already said that my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade will make a statement on the subject this afternoon.