§ 28. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in view of the possibility of a hard winter, he will make a statement as to the arrangements that are being made to build up stocks of domestic coal, particularly in the Eastern Region.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerAs I have said in answer to earlier Questions, I will provide the house coal market next winter with the maximum amount that the general supply position will allow. In the distribution of the available supplies, every region will, of course, be given its proper share.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydDid not the right hon. Gentleman, earlier this year, give a figure of 500,000 tons as the extra amount which would be provided for the domestic 15 consumer; and does the phrase which he has now used indicate a retreat from that undertaking?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerNo, Sir. That was not the figure I used. I said 850,000 tons in the summer months.