§ 20. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make a statement on his plans to build up adequate stocks of coal during the summer months; and up to what amount householders will be permitted to stock up.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)In view of the increasing shortage of large coal due to the extension of machine mining, the build-up of house coal stocks depends primarily on our obtaining an increased output from the mines. I am anxious that householders should stock up as much as possible during the summer, although this must, of course, be within the maximum permitted quantity which will remain the same as before. The summer prices scheme will be announced tomorrow by the National Coal Board.
§ Sir I. FraserCan the Minister say what is the maximum now allowed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreWill my right hon. Friend agree that more stocks could be built up if willing foreign workers were allowed to work in the pits?
§ Mr. LloydPerhaps I should make this clear. The figures are: 24 cwt. during the six summer months in the south, and 20 cwt. during the six summer months in the north, the maximum for the whole year being 34 cwt. in the south and 50 cwt. in the north.
§ Mr. Bernard BraineIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the Eastern region last year, and as it appears will be the case this year—supplies have been quite insufficient to ensure 34 cwt. to users of domestic coal? Is he aware that the problem is particularly acute in South Essex, in my constituency, and will he look into it?
§ Mr. LloydI appreciate the difficulties, but the period to which I am referring is the six months which begins on 1st May. Therefore, the difficulties which my hon. Friend anticipates may not arise.
§ Mr. Alfred RobensDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that overall stocks are something over 13 million tons, which is a higher figure than we have had for a long time and reflects great credit on my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South (Mr. Noel-Baker)? Does not that fact enable the right hon. Gentleman to be a little more generous with household coal at the present time?
§ Mr. LloydNo, Sir. The right hon. Gentleman is very indiscreet in taking credit for the weather to his right hon. Friend. Also I think it would be highly unwise at this period of the year to indulge in any unjustified optimism of the kind which led the previous Government into trouble every time the winter came along.