§ Mr. Astorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give the House an assurance that the publicity undertaken by his Ministry in respect to the amount of coal to be afforded to householders shall set out only the exact facts of the situation.
§ Mr. ShinwellYes, Sir.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Birchasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when will it be possible for coal merchants in North Wales to get the grades of house coal which they were accustomed to supply before the present system of allocation came into force; and when will it be possible for householders to change their registered fuel supplier should they so wish.
§ Mr. ShinwellShortage of supplies and difficulties of labour and transport make it essential to maintain the present system of allocation and control. I am not in a position to say when it will be possible to relax them.