§ 64. Major Bramallasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider giving local authorities power to undertake the distribution of coal.
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, Sir. My hon. Friend's proposal could only be considered as part of long-term policy; it would not help the present difficulties due to severe weather.
§ 73. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the critical position in regard to household coal deliveries in the neighbourhood of Maldon, Essex, and of the fact that many householders have only three cwt. of coal due to them during the two coming months and are at present entirely without coal; and if he will take action on the lines suggested in the representations from the Maldon Co-operative Society, which have been forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Maldon.
87W
§ Mr. ShinwellThe consumers who have only three cwt. of coal due to them for the March-April period must be those who have received the maximum deliveries amounting to 31 cwt. in all in the first 10 months of the restriction year, including 15 cwt. during the summer period, intended mainly for winter consumption. As regards the second part of the Question, the supply position does not permit of any increase in the present allowances.
§ 77. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is satisfied with the distribution of domestic coal stocks in South-East London and particularly in the Lewisham area; and whether any improvements can be expected.
§ Mr. ShinwellMerchants' stocks in South-East London, including Lewisham, taken together with stocks in Government dumps in that area, are distributed as evenly as is practicable. The overall tonnage available for the area is up to the average for the London Region as a whole.