§ 12. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what distributed stock of coal, expressed in terms of weeks' supply on 31st October, he proposes to allocate to industry, other than engineering and other metal trades, for the coming winter.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydFive, Sir.
§ 13. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what distributed stock of coal, expressed in terms of weeks' 880 supply on 31st October, he proposes to allocate to the engineering and other metal trades for the coming winter.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydSix generally, but seven in the Midlands.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAs the stocks are now nearly up to their targets, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that when they actually reach the targets coal will be diverted to other uses, so that industrialists may be encouraged to practise economy in the use of coal?
§ Mr. LloydIt is the policy of the Government to export as much coal as possible consistent with reaching a safe target for the beginning of the coal winter.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill my right hon. Friend explain why this Midland cartel should have more supplies than anywhere else?
§ Mr. LloydMy hon. Friend has the same curiosity as myself, and the answer I received is that for many years there has, in the Midlands particularly, been a risk of difficulty due to transport congestion in that area.