HC Deb 01 May 1950 vol 474 c1401
42. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what immediate action he is taking to overcome the acute shortage of coal in North Oxfordshire

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

I have written to the hon. Member informing him of the steps that have been taken to assist the North Oxfordshire area.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Is the Minister aware that there is an acute shortage of coal in North Oxfordshire, that the " fair shares " in the Cotswold area have been fair shares of nothing during the last month; and that there has not been such an acute shortage since the period known in history as the Shin well wakes?

Mr. Noel-Baker

In the early part of April, 500 tons were sent; on 18th April another 100 tons and 250 tons have been allocated for May supplementary to the normal allocation.

Mr. John Hay

Will the Minister remember that many of the village people in this area use their coal not only for heating purposes but also for cooking, and will he do all that he can to see that they get an adequate supply?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If a consumer is in difficulty, he ought to consult the local fuel overseer, who will do his best to help, and of whose courtesy I am constantly hearing great praise.

Mr. S. Silverman

Can my right hon. Friend say how the people who had a grievance about the quantity or quality of their coal before nationalisation of the coal industry made their grievance known?