HC Deb 12 February 1951 vol 484 cc10-1
15. Mr. Maudling

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what basis he expects to allocate coal to industrial consumers during the period from 1st May to 1st November, 1951.

16. Mr. Watkinson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will arrange to make up the under deliveries of coal and coke to industry during the summer months.

Mr. Robens

The allocations of coal and coke to industrial consumers during the summer period of 1951 will be sufficient to meet their full requirements, for current consumption, and to build up adequate winter stocks.

Mr. Maudling

Can the Minister say how these allocations will compare with allocations during the comparable period in 1950?

Mr. Robens

The allocations will obviously be greater than the allocation for 1950, because consumption is steadily rising.

Mr. Watkinson

Will they be sufficiently greater to make up for present under-deliveries?

Mr. Robens

Yes. I thought I had made it quite plain that the allocations will be sufficient to meet current consumption and to build up adequate winter stocks.

Mr. Peter Roberts

Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider some method of arbitration if the allocations which are made appear to be unsatisfactory to the users?

Mr. Robens

There is no need for arbitration because we shall try to the best of our ability to meet all requirements.