§ Mr. LYONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, by the instructions of the Coal Controller, trucks laden with coal for Hastings have on various dates been diverted elsewhere; that thereby people suffering from illness and others have been deprived of coal of which they are in urgent need; and that applications through official channels have failed to remedy this state of affairs; and whether he will take the necessary steps to prevent its continuance or recurrence?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI assume that the trucks referred to were consigned to private consumers. In the present shortage any such trucks for which express permission has not been given under Clause 93 of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, are taken over by the Local Fuel Overseers for genera] use, but I am informed that the immediate needs of the consignees are invariably met. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any cases he has in mind, with the dates, I will have inquiries made.