§ Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that many families in Dagenham have had no fires for a fortnight; that a trainload of coal was promised to the local fuel controller by 2nd February, but did not arrive; and why the Department have not themselves used requisitioning powers or allowed the local fuel controller to do so when there are supplies in the immediate neighbourhood which would ease the situation?
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§ Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that deliveries of coal from pit-head to merchants in Tottenham, Enfield, and Edmonton areas have been steadily deteriorating for months past, and that a large number of merchants have been without supplies for some time; and will he take immediate steps to remedy this shortage?
§ Mr. LloydI am aware of the difficulty which has been caused by the dislocation of mineral traffic during the recent period of severe weather. I am informed by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport that during the past few days there has been a substantial movement of coal from the collieries. All994W possible steps are being taken to alleviate the position as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the distress caused to a large number of people in the county borough of West Ham owing to the lack of coal supplies during the recent severe weather; and whether he will take steps to ensure more adequate supplies for domestic consumers?
§ Mr. LloydI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to-day to the hon. Members for Essex, Romford (Mr. Parker) and Tottenham, North (Mr. R. C. Morrison).