§ Q7. Mr. Websterasked the Prime Minister what is the membership of the Winter Emergency Committee; and how often it meets.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 3rd November. [Vol. 735, c. 166.]
§ Mr. WebsterWould the Prime Minister reassure the House that there will be adequate supplies of fuel and power this winter, by telling us what action this Committee has taken nor recommended?
§ The Prime MinisterWhen this Committee was set up I made it plain that its purpose was to take such action as can be taken in advance of the worst period of the winter, to see that plant is available on time, if it can be, and also to see that coal stocks are distributed in adequate quantities. Coal stocks are more satisfactory now than last year, and although there have been some delays in plant installation, some delays in the delivery of plant from the contractors, as happened last year, the margin of supplies over normal winter peak demand looks more encouraging now than a year ago. Last year, and no one could have prevented this, there were breakdowns, due to the facts which have been the subject of the inquiry.