§ 2. Mr. Nabarroasked the Paymaster-General how much additional house coal per annum in relation to the approximate 779 total consumption of 32 million tons per annum, would be required to abolish domestic coal rationing; what part of North American coal imports this year is represented by the tonnage needed to end house-coal rationing; and, having regard to the abundance of small coals of good calorific value available for domestic use in suitable modern appliances, what steps Her Majesty's Government is taking to encourage the use of small coals in such appliances and thus end the house-coal rationing scheme.
§ Mr. RentonEstimates must be speculative, but the extra supplies required from home or overseas sources might be about 1½ to 2 million tons. Imports of American coal so far this year have been just under 2 million tons. As regards the smaller sizes, my hon. Friend will have noticed the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General on 29th October to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wembley, South (Mr. Russell).
§ Mr. NabarroDoes not this rather gloomy and despondent Answer mean that, notwithstanding the manifest benefits of six years of Tory rule, my hon. and learned friend is now proposing a policy of coal rationing for ever?
§ Mr. RentonNo, Sir. Most certainly not. It is the intention of my noble Friend to get rid of coal rationing as soon as possible.
§ Mr. NabarroHurry up.
§ Mr. RentonThere is no need to be gloomy about these high stocks; they are a very useful start to the winter.