Captain G. LLOYDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the coal rationing scheme, regard was had to the existence of village coal clubs; and, if so, what steps these clubs should take in order to ensure that the requisite supplies of coal are forthcoming?
Sir A. STANLEYIn the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, due regard has been had to the existence of village coal clubs, etc. Where a coal club does not control its own supplies of coal but transmits the orders received to registered coal merchants or licensed coal dealers it will take out a licence as a dealer declaring itself the agent of such merchant or dealer. This licence will be obtainable through the local fuel overseer of the respective districts in which the coal clubs are situated. A coal club receiving coal by truck direct from a colliery must register as a coal merchant and may be required to establish a reserve stock of coal for its members. Subject to the above Regulations, coal clubs will continue to receive their coal through the ordinary channels as heretofore.