§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any further statement regarding the supply of coal to the Hull steam-trawling fleets under the quota clauses of the Coal Mines Act, 1930; and whether ample supplies of bunker coal will be made available at Hull for the fishing fleets?
§ Mr. SHINWELLAs my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, the National Committee of Investigation set up under Section 5 of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, have considered a complaint by the Humber trawler owners that the allocation made to the Midland (Amalgamated) District is insufficient. The Committee have reported that they are not satisfied that there is any general shortage of coal. In a few isolated cases difficulties may be arising, but these can, I am advised, be met from the ample supplies of coal on offer from other coalfields in Great Britain.
§ Sir G. PENNYasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is in a position to 1886W give the result of the formal complaint of the Coal Merchants' Federation which he advised them to make to the National Committee of Investigation in regard to the coal shortage; and whether he has now received evidence of coal shortage confirming the position placed before him last week in regard to the greatly reduced supplies available in the Kingston-on-Thames area, which is causing much suffering to the poorer section of the community?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe National Committee of Investigation decided that it was not necessary to make any representations to the Central Council on the complaint from the Coal Merchants' Federation. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the decision. I have received no evidence of a shortage of supplies of coal in the Kingston-on-Thames area other than the single letter sent on to me by the hon. Member.