§ 14. Mr. C. S. Taylorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many thousand tons of coal, intended for London and the South Eastern area, have been diverted to the North in the last three months.
§ Mr. GaitskellThirty-six thousand five hundred tons of coal originally allocated to London and 3,000 tons allocated to the South Eastern Region have been diverted during the last three months to assist Scotland.
§ Mr. TaylorIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that coal merchants in the South Eastern area are seriously perturbed because they feel they may be caught short of supplies and that their supplies are now reaching a dangerously low level?
§ Mr. GaitskellNo, Sir. I do not think they have any reason for anxiety. The stocks in the hon. Member's constituency, at any rate, are quite adequate at the moment.
§ Mr. ScollanIs it not the case that Scotland has exported far more coal than was received, supposedly, for its relief?
§ Mr. GaitskellI think we had better have a separate Question on that matter.