§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that though the general public have been advised to lay in winter stocks of coal, no such stocks are, in fact, available in Leven districts of Fife, though they are available in other parts of the country; what are the reasons for the shortage in Leven; and what steps he is taking to avoid unfair discrimination of this kind?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am not aware of any shortage of coal in Leven. Merchants' stocks are high in comparison with other colliery areas, and during the week ended 29th May the merchants' weekly allocation was exceeded by 20 per cent. I therefore see no reason why the consumers in that area should be unable to obtain reasonable amounts for winter stocking. If, however, my hon. Friend has encountered any particular difficulty and will let me have particulars, I shall be glad to have inquiries made.