§ Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the percentage of stone and slate and other non-combustible substances in coal as supplied to consumers in 1939 and 1945.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe quantity of dirt in the coal produced varies from seam to seam. Moreover, as I explained in my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 22nd January, there are certain difficulties, which also vary from plant to plant, in cleaning the coal on the surface. In these circumstances it would be quite impracticable to obtain the information requested. I would add that my Regional Production Directors have been instructed to take all possible steps to improve the preparation of the coal.