HC Deb 14 November 1955 vol 546 cc26-7
47. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how coal stocks in Scotland today compare with the figures a year ago.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Total distributed stocks at 29th October, 1955, amounted to 1,670,000 tons, compared with 1½ million tons a year before.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that these stocks should be sufficient to see us through the winter?

Mr. Lloyd

I think the warm spell, both in this country and in Scotland, is liable to lull people into a false sense of security. It would be wise to remember the very bitter weather we sometimes have in this country in the early months of the spring. Therefore, I would not wish to encourage any complacency but would take the opportunity of saying how very important it is that industrial concerns should make the maximum savings of coal which they can by taking precautions in this matter.

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