§ 19. Mr. Shurmerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of his request to householders to stock up coal supplies during summer months and as coal merchants are receiving inquiries for coal far in excess of previous summers what steps he is taking to see that adequate supplies to meet this demand are allocated to Birmingham.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerIn the first 10 weeks of the present summer period, 13,000 tons more coal has been sold to domestic consumers in Birmingham than in the corresponding period a year ago. I earnestly hope that the householders who have bought the coal are building up their stocks for the winter months.
§ 20. Mr. Shurmerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he is taking to improve the supplies of coke in the city of Birmingham.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe industrial demand for gas in Birmingham has greatly increased; in consequence, much coke must be used to make carburetted water gas, and the coke available for sale has been reduced. The domestic demand has also increased.
The gas boards in the south have taken over some the commitments of the West Midlands Board, and the movement of coke from one area to another is being discussed. I hope that these measures will increase the supplies in the West Midlands, but I will write to my hon. Friend about the situation as soon as I can.
§ 23. Mr. Shurmerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that, owing to the demand for wood logs in the City of Birmingham, prices are still at the high winter levels; and what action he is taking to reduce these prices to enable householders to stock-up for the winter.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI have no reason to think that the prices charged for wood in Birmingham are unduly high, but if my hon. Friend will let me have the details of any complaints he has received, I will make inquiries.