HC Deb 23 June 1947 vol 439 cc16-7W
92. Mr. Cooper-Key

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the lack of stocks of boiler fuel held by merchants in the district of Hastings and St. Leonards, with the consequent hardship to householders, hotel keepers and laundries, he will take immediate steps to provide adequate supplies now and in future; and why current stocks in this district have not been maintained.

Mr. Gaitskell

For the reasons I gave to the House on 23rd May, there is at present a general shortage of boiler fuel and stocks are everywhere at a low level. I am advised that the position in Hastings and St. Leonards is no worse than elsewhere in the South-Eastern Region. While I can give no guarantee of any immediate increase in supplies, I expect the position to improve gradually in the next few months.