HC Deb 30 October 1947 vol 443 cc111-2W
115. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what percentage of the allocation of domestic coal for the period from 1st May has been received in the London area; what should have been the average amount per premises distributed; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that consumers who have not received the average entitlement by the end of the present allocation period, 31st October, do not lose their coal.

Mr. Gaitskell

During the period 1st May to 18th October receipts of house coal in the London Region amounted to 89.4 per cent. of the programmed allocation after making the normal allowances for colliery holidays. The maximum permitted for delivery in the South is 15 cwt. per registered household during the summer period. Up to 18th October deliveries to domestic consumers in London averaged just over 10 cwt. per registered household, which is at approximately the same rate as last summer. With regard to the last part of the Question, merchants have instructions to give preference during the winter, within the maximum of 24 cwt. prescribed for that period, to small consumers who, for lack of storage space or other reasons, have been unable to stock during the summer. Moreover, if a consumer should suffer hardship during the winter because he has received less than the average supply up to the end of October, he should seek the assistance of the local fuel overseer.

121. Mr. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what percentage of the allocation of domestic coal for the period from 1st May, 1947, has been received in the county of Norfolk; what should have been the average amount delievered per premises; and what has been the average amount delivered per premises.

Mr. Gaitskell

During the period 1st May to 18th October, receipts of house coal in the county of Norfolk amounted to about 95 per cent. of the programmed allocation, after making the normal allowances for colliery holidays. Under the existing restrictions not more than 15 cwt. may be delivered to any registered premises between 1st May and 31st October, except under licence. Disposals to domestic consumers in the county between 1st May and 18th October averaged 15.8 cwt. per registered household, including deliveries made under licence from local fuel overseers to consumers who rely on coal for cooking or have other special needs.