HC Deb 15 May 1950 vol 475 cc829-30
11. Mr. John Tilney

asked the Minister of fuel and power what is the reason for the present shortage of coal on Merseyside

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The cold weather after Easter greatly increased the orders for household coal given to merchants by their customers; at that period of the year, the merchants' stocks are at their lowest point; the Easter holidays reduced the supplies of coal coming forward from the mines; supplies in Lancashire have been further affected by a stoppage at the Mossley Common Colliery at the end of April.

Mr. Tilney

Does not the Minister appreciate that these short deliveries mean that people on Merseyside have not got adequate fuel? Will he take steps to see that the reason for this failure of the National Coal Board are fully explained to the public in Liverpool?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I hope that my answer will explain the reasons. I hope, too, that the hon. Member will advise any of his constituents who have difficulties to go to the local fuel overseer, who can usually help in a day or two.

Mr. Leslie Hale

If my right hon. Friend says there is a shortage of coal, why is he proposing to close down Moston colliery in Lancashire which employs, and can usefully employ for many scores of years, five or six hundred men?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to put that question down, and I will deal with it.

Mr. Ian L. Orr-Ewing

Does the Minister mean by his original reply that the distribution of coal is not planned on the assumption that it is a little colder in winter than in summer?

Mr. Noel-Baker

No, Sir, certainly not. A number of contributing causes occurred together this year and unfortunately supplies were not adequate over the whole country to meet the needs of that time. It was due to many causes.