§ 43. Mr. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will allocate a fixed ration of coal to domestic consumers which they can claim, instead of a permissive maximum which they do not in fact get.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydNo, Sir, I do not intend to change the present system of maximum permitted quantities.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes the Minister not know that the permitted maximum often means something different when it reaches the coalhouse of the consumer, and that, having no statutory claim to a certain ration, coal distributors themselves are put in grave difficulties, especially when cuts at short notice are imposed when half the customers get the full ration and the rest have to get what they can? Would it not be better to have a fixed ration, possibly at a lower level, to be quite sure that they get something?
§ Mr. LloydI quite understand the hon. Gentlemen's point of view, although I am obliged to answer "No" by the practical difficulties. If the hon. Gentleman will think it out he will find that the fixed ration to an individual would create just as many difficulties as the present system of permitted maximum quantities.
§ Mr. DaviesWill the right hon. Gentleman note that in my Question I do not ask for a fixed ration for an individual? I had in mind consumers in terms of a household. Will he not appreciate that unless people can get a bit more coal during the winter there will be great hardship?
§ Mr. LloydEven so, the hon. Gentleman is not producing a very constructive idea, because he will see that he proposes a fixed ration for households, but it is a fact that the needs of households vary so very much according to circumstances.