§ 9. Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Power what steps are being taken to see that adequate supplies of domestic coal are available to merchants in South-West Scotland.
§ Dr. BrayWith the advance of mechanisation the proportion of large coal has fallen. There are, however, plentiful supplies of "doubles", and these are now being accepted by merchants.
§ Mr. MonroIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some merchants are receiving only about one-third of their requirements and that this not only affects the domestic consumer but must also reduce sales at the pithead?
§ Dr. BrayThe position is that owing to the cold weather there has been a heavy demand for large coal, but there are plentiful supplies of the smaller graded coal known as "doubles", and these are now being accepted by merchants.