HC Deb 28 March 1955 vol 539 cc11-2
18. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he is taking to ensure an equitable and balanced distribution of such grades and qualities of coal as are not subject to the provisions of orders issued by his Department stipulating maximum allocations of coal to householders, annually.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

The distribution of unrestricted types of solid fuel is at present settled by the producers and the coal merchants, and I do not think we should improve it by the introduction of new controls.

Mr. Nabarro

In the absence of national newspapers to report the exact circumstances, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that Worcester, Kidderminster, Stourport on Severn, and other Severnside towns, are now badly inundated, and as there are practically no supplies of house coal, either rationed or unrationed, available in merchants' yards in the area, will my right hon. Friend take emergency steps to rush supplies to these severely stricken flooded areas of Worcestershire?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir, but even before the advice of my hon. Friend I had the advantage of reading this news in the " Birmingham Post," and I have asked my Departmental representative to see that everything possible is done to help.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will my right hon. Friend realise what seems to have escaped the notice of my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro), that the Severn also flows through Shropshire?

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