HC Deb 04 March 1948 vol 448 cc505-6
21. Mr. Shephard

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if in view of the increased stocks of coal, he will now allow a ration to persons lodging with relatives, but occupying separate rooms.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)

I would refer to the statement which I made on 26th February in reply to questions by the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) and my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Parkin). In the meantime, local fuel overseers already have specal instructions to treat households with sub-tenancies as sympathetically as possible in granting supplementary allowances of coal.

Mr. Shephard

Is the Minister aware of the hardship caused by these restrictions, and cannot he do something for those people who are unlucky enough to live with their in-laws?

Mr. Gaitskell

Yes, Sir. When, earlier this year, I announced the extra allocation of coal for domestic consumption, arrangements were specifically made that some of that coal should go to sub-tenants.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

When the right hon. Gentleman refers to "sub-tenants," does he mean that there is some legal document in the case?