§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will reconsider the present allocation of coal to housewives in charge of working-class houses as with no alternative fuel it is impossible to fulfil their requirements in respect of cooking, washing and baths upon 16lbs. of coal per day?
Major Lloyd GeorgeAs I endeavoured to explain to my hon. Friend in reply1468W to his Question on 9th November, there is no specific allocation or ration of coal for each household. In order that my hon. Friend may better appreciate the system of control in force, I append a more detailed description of it. I can, however, hold out no hope of a more liberal supply of coal to the domestic market. Indeed, in face of the fall in output per man and losses due to strikes, coupled with an increase in requirements particularly for operational purposes, it may prove impossible to maintain supplies at the current level. Should further cuts become necessary I should, of course, do my best to ensure that they were borne equitably by all classes of the community; but the position is so serious that all may be called upon to make some sacrifice.
Following is the statement: