HC Deb 04 February 1947 vol 432 cc312-3W
65. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to control and limit the use of manpower, fuel and transport for the production and distribution of unnecessary articles of luxury during the present emergency, in view of the shortage of essentials, such as houses, food and coal.

Mr. Belcher

Preference in the supply of coal, which at present is the governing factor, is being given to firms engaged on important production, and this necessarily involves the reduction of supplies to other industries.

68. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what principles the present reductions in industrial coal supplies are based; and how long the cuts are expected to continue.

Mr. Belcher

The scheme of allocation is based on the principle of spreading the shortage so as to secure the best possible balance of production. Subject to this principle, the plan has been to secure as large an allocation as possible for all industrial consumers, together with some degree of supplementation for important production. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power that the supply position will improve substantially by the end of the winter. He is already in consultation with us about the position for the next coal year.

69. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade what cut there has been in the amount of coal supplied to the pottery industry in North Staffordshire; and whether some increase can be allowed in view of the serious effect on exports and employment.

Mr. Belcher

The new allocations for the pottery industry are about 50 per cent. of the previous rate—the same as for industry generally. I regret that the limited supplies available for industry do not permit any general supplement for pottery firms.

Mr. Edward Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps it is proposed to take to avoid a repetition next winter of the present industrial dislocation due to coal shortage.

Mr. Belcher

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power is in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend about the coal position for the next Year, with a view to ensuring the orderly distribution of supplies to industry.