HC Deb 22 January 1948 vol 446 cc53-4W
69. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why, in determining the allocation of boiler fuel to non-industrial premises for the period 1st November, 1947, to 30th April, 1948, stocks, accumulated at such premises as a result of saving during the preceding period, are taken into account; and whether, with a view to encouraging economies, he will direct that such stocks shall be ignored.

Mr. Gaitskell

Supplies of coke, to which I think the hon. Member must be referring, appeared likely to become dangerously short during the winter; moreover the level of stocks held by different establishments was uneven. Unless in accordance with normal practice, stocks had been taken into account in working out the winter allocations, a severe cut would have had to be imposed on supplies to all such premises, which would have led to serious hardship in many cases.