§ Mr. Parkerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport how many rationalisation schemes for retail coal delivery have been drawn up in consultation with, or approved by, his Ministry and are now in operation?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerMy hon. Friend is, no doubt, familiar with the general measures, which have been taken under the House Coal Emergency Scheme in order to eliminate unnecessary deliveries of coal. In addition, more than 20 rationalisation schemes of various types have been drawn up in consultation with the Mines Department, and are either in operation or in active preparation in various parts of the country. In the light of the experience thus gained, my Noble Friend is now considering, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power, what further measures of rationalisation can be undertaken. In the meantime issues of motor fuel for retail deliveries of coal are being restricted more closely, in order to prevent the unnecessary use of fuel and rubber.