§ Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary for Mines, with regard to Section 17 of the Eighth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure, Summary of Recommendations, what progress has been made, under sub-section (2), for the production of a more comprehensive scheme to create coal stocks for next winter's demand, as the time available is diminishing; and, with regard to sub-section (6), when will the scheme for relieving the individual coal consumers from the extra costs of coal brought from distant collieries be presented to Parliament?
§ Mr. Grenfell:The Government programme for laying down reserves of coal during the summer months involves a substantial increase in the present rate of production and the whole situation was discussed at a representative meeting of both sides of the industry on 27th March last. Since that date action has been taken in numerous ways to facilitate both production and distribution; on other matters discussions are still proceeding with the industry. It is not anticipated that the arrangements for dealing with the 706W difficulties referred to in the latter part of the Question will require legislative authority.