§ Mr. SHORTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of coal for domestic use in Tipton; and, if so, will he increase supplies?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am having inquiries made, and shall be glad to let the hon. Member know as soon as possible.
§ Mr. SUGDENasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade what weight and proportion of coal is actually being served, of the ration amount, to householders in Lancashire, and when he proposes to supply the actual ration amount; when he will be able to supply the correct type of coal to Lancashire industrial undertakings, and also to full ration; and what steps are being taken to utilise, as far as possible, coal obtained 1267W from mines situate in certain localities in the localities wherein obtained to relieve thus the congestion of transport?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI regret that it is not practicable to state the weight of coal used in Lancashire for household purposes, but, subject to the ration stipulations, deliveries are made to consumers to meet ordinary requirements. In isolated cases, where ordinary supplies are found to be inadequate, special steps are taken to provide additional supplies from local sources whenever practicable. With regard to the question of industrial coal all possible efforts have been and are being made to secure adequate supplies of suitable fuel, but, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, it has been necessary in some cases to divert coal, intended for industries, in order to meet demands for public utility undertakings. It is not invariably possible to arrange for the produce of collieries to be utilised in the locality, otherwise the requirements of non-producing areas could not be met, but economy of railway transport is always sought by the Department.