37. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether in connection with the supply of coal to Malvern, and adjoining districts, steps can be taken to ensure that the residents are enabled to get the coal which is due to them on the ration; and whether, in view of the complaint of many dealers in the district, that they are unable to get the coal ration to which they are entitled, that the arrears still due will be available forthwith for their customers.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerAs I am sure the hon. Member is aware, the quantities of coal which a householder may buy are not rations, the supply of which is guaranteed; they are limits up to which he may buy if the necessary supplies are available. The allocations of coal to merchants have never been sufficient to allow them to provide the maximum permitted quantity for every household. I am assured that merchants in Malvern and adjoining districts are receiving their fair share of the available supplies.
Mr. De la BèreHas the right hon. Gentleman ever heard of the Bayton colliery? Is it not a fact that the Coal Board closed this colliery, and that as a result the shortage in Malvern is becoming more and more acute each month? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman do something sensible about it? Will he give me an answer?
§ Mr. NabarroIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was at Bayton last Saturday afternoon investigating this problem, and that there are hundreds of thousands of tons of easily worked household coal, which could abate the coal shortage in the rural areas of Worcestershire?
Mr. De la BèreIn view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory answer of the Minister I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. NabarroHear, hear.