§ Dr. Littleasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, owing to complaints as to shortage of the supply of coal within certain areas in Northern Ireland, he will look into this matter and make arrangements whereby a sufficient supply of coal is provided to meet the requirements of all living in that part of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. T. SmithThe programme of coal supplies to Northern Ireland is arranged by agreement between my Department and the Ministry of Commerce in Northern Ireland. Under present conditions it is not always possible to adhere strictly to programmed allocations owing to urgent demands for operational or other essential requirements. Every effort is made, however, to ensure that Northern Ireland supplies are treated on the same basis as those of the rest of the United Kingdom. Distribution of coal in Northern Ireland is carried out by the Minister of Commerce and any complaint of shortage in particular areas should be brought to his notice.