HC Deb 25 July 1947 vol 440 cc183-4W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is the intention of his Department to establish, as was the case last year, coal dumps at isolated villages from which coal merchants can obtain emergency supplies with the consent of the local fuel overseer; or what steps it is proposed to take to ensure the accessibility of stocks to isolated houses and villages in rural districts under adverse weather conditions.

Mr. Shinwell

No Government dumps were established last year in rural areas although in a few areas there were remnants from reserve stocks put down during the early war years. No further Government stocking in rural areas is, being undertaken but arrangements have been made for merchants to stock at their own depots substantial supplies for winter use. With regard to the second part of the Question, local fuel overseers are authorised to grant stocking licences during the summer to occupiers of premises which are likely to be inaccessible in winter.