§ Captain Pluggeasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied that sufficient reserve stocks of fuel have now been municipally accumulated in the Medway area; and, if not, what is the estimated shortage?
§ Mr. GrenfellIn addition to the stocks held by merchants and consumers, a reserve of over two weeks normal supply for the three Medway towns is held in the area on Government account while further Government stocks of domestic coal are available at other sites within 15 miles of Chatham. I regard these reserves as sufficient to justify the continuation of my Department's policy, which is to consign to Government stock coal which is available in excess of merchants' and consumers' requirements. In conformity with this policy, supplies are still being sent to Government stocks in the Medway area.