HC Deb 10 May 1954 vol 527 cc852-4
51. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many million tons of domestic coal were used in the United Kingdom during 12 months to 31st March, 1954, and what was the average per user, compared with maximum allocations of 34 cwt. in the South of England for the year and 50 cwt. in the North of England; how many million tons of miners' free and concessionary coal were issued in the same period and the average issue per miner; and how the latter compares with the ordinary domestic consumption per household.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Thirty-two million tons, representing an average of 30.5 cwt. per household in the South and 43.9 cwt. in the North. In 1952, the miners received two million tons free and three million tons at concessionary prices. The average receipt per miner who was entitled to such coal was nine tons.

Mr. Nabarro

Why is the Coal Board withholding from merchants a sufficient amount of coal to enable it to supply the maximum permitted amount to all registered householders? Is this not the cause of the dregs being supplied from merchants' yards and the innumerable complaints from all over the country about the appalling quality of house coal?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Not altogether. I think that the Coal Board is supplying to the merchants all the coal which is available for the household market at the present time.

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