HC Deb 16 April 1956 vol 551 c657
4. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the difference between the maximum quantity of coal a householder in East Anglia may buy and that of a householder in the North of England.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. David Renton)

A householder may buy 34 cwt. in East Anglia and 50 cwt. in the North.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that East Anglia is every bit as cold in winter as the North, and could he take steps to see that supplies are not held up, as they have been in the last two successive winters, to the Harwich area in particular, because of the climate?

Mr. Renton

I am certainly aware of the climate of East Anglia because I happen to live there, but my hon. Friend will recollect that although it is often cold in East Anglia, the cold periods tend to last longer in the North. Moreover, the climate in the North is wetter. As to supplies for East Anglia, that is another matter and perhaps by hon. Friend will put down a Question.