§ 103. Major Ramsayasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give an assurance that an increased quantity of coal is to be made available to the railways, in view of the grave situation which will arise unless there is some improvement in the present position.
§ 104. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport what are the stocks of locomotive coal held by the railway companies; how many days' consumption these stocks represents; and whether he is satisfied that the present level of these stocks is adequate to ensure the movement of railway traffic.
§ Mr. G. R. Strauss:The stocks of locomotive coal held by the railway companies at 23rd March were 420,000 tons. This represents nine days' consumption. The level of these stocks is causing me concern, and I and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power are in consultation to see what can be done to meet the position.