HC Deb 02 June 1943 vol 390 cc214-5W
Flight-Lieutenant Challen

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the procedure to be followed by householders having stocking room in order to increase their stocks during the summer months?

Mr. T. Smith

It should be practicable for the majority of householders who have storage facilities to accumulate sufficient stock for their winter requirements by acquiring and conserving during the summer such quantities as are available to them under the ordinary restrictions. The stock limit of house coal under these restrictions is 2 tons. Householders, whose winter requirements on a strictly economical basis justify a stock of more than 2 tons of house coal, or whose premises are in remote localities, should obtain from their local fuel overseers or coal merchant a form on which to apply for a stocking licence. The licence will authorise the acquisition of larger quantities than are permitted generally, having regard to the conditions in the household. The merchant will only be able to deliver coal against this licence as his supplies permit and having regard to the needs of all his registered customers. Fuel such as coke and anthracite are more freely available, and can be obtained in considerable quantities without licence. The larger sizes are, in fact, free from all restrictions. Such fuel should be substituted for house coal by householders to the greatest possible extent.