§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the terms of the announcement, on 15th October, with regard to an increase in the maximum permissible stock of coke for householders; and when, and in what form, were the terms communicated to merchants?
§ Mr. T. SmithA copy of the public announcement is appended. An advance draft in practically identical terms was issued to the Chamber of Coal Traders on 12th October, and included in a circular to their members dated 14th October.
Following is the announcement
"Coke supplies in most parts of the country are such that the acquisition of further allowances for winter stocking may be allowed, but it is desirable for such stocks to be distributed in the near future in order to relieve pressure on local transport during the winter. Under present restrictions, coke and certain sizes of anthracite of which merchants have the details, may be acquired without licence up to a maximum stock of three tons. This limit will remain in force but instructions have been given to Local Fuel Overseers that, where the supply position permits, stocking of these fuels up to five tons shall be permitted by licence in the case of consumers who are prepared to give a written undertaking that they will conserve their stocks with the most rigid economy and will draw on them during the period from January to March without acquiring further supplies. People who do not normally use coke are urged to take it for the purpose of ckeing out their coal."