HC Deb 06 July 1959 vol 608 cc872-3
15. Mr. Warbey

asked the Paymaster-General what were the amount of undistributed coal stocks at the latest date for which figures are available; and what proportion of these stocks were in the East Midlands Division.

Mr. Maudling

27.5 million tons at 20th June, 1959, of which 8.9 million tons are in the East Midlands Division.

Mr. Warbey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that coal is flowing like lava on every square yard of ground around some of these collieries in my constituency and in the constituencies of many other hon. Members, and that we are well beyond the limit which the Government accepted last November of 22 million tons? As this situation cannot go on, will the Government accept that this is a matter to be dealt with as an emergency and not one of which they can wash their hands?

Mr. Maudling

I think that the hon. Member is exaggerating the situation. Certainly stocks are very large, but the measures which the Coal Board is taking are the best that can be taken in the circumstances to deal with the problem.