§ Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the serious shortage of anthracite in West Dorset; that coke is not a satisfactory substitute, as recognised by stove manufacturers until recently; that alternative cooking methods are seldom available; that serious loss of trade is being suffered by coal merchants; and whether he will divert more of the available supplies to country districts where the need is greatest.
§ Mr. GaitskellI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) on 10th February. My regional officers and the local fuel overseers in West Dorset do not know of any householder who has an appliance in which coke cannot be burned satisfactorily and who cannot obtain supplies of anthracite.
§ Mr. Cooper-Keyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that supplies of phurnacite and anthracite are are not available to householders in the areas of Hastings, Battle and Rye; what is the reason for this shortage; and what steps he is taking to remedy the consequent hardship suffered by people who rely on this type of fuel for their cooking and heating.
§ Mr. GaitskellI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) on 10th February. My regional officers and the local fuel overseers for Hastings, Battle and Rye do not know of any householder who has an appliance unsuitable for burning coke and who cannot obtain supplies of anthracite or phurnacite.