HC Deb 25 July 1949 vol 467 cc1818-9
62. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what reserves of coal are available; and what plans he has made to meet the possibility of an exceptionally bad winter.

Mr. Gaitskell

Total distributed stocks of coal amounted to 13.2 million tons on 9th July and at that date were slightly ahead of the stock building programme. I have every hope that this satisfactory rate of progress will be maintained for the rest of the summer. Stocks of coke are also satisfactory.

Sir I. Fraser

Is the Minister satisfied that that reserve will see us through a bad winter, and that we shall not be let down as we were two years ago?

Mr. Gaitskell

No, Sir. I expect stocks to increase further, at any rate until the end of October.